This week, a potentially dangerous combination of strong low-level winds offshore and occasional long-period swells is forecast to lead to hazardous offshore and nearshore marine conditions for Trinidad and Tobago, particularly for smaller craft.
What you need to know
— What: A strengthening Atlantic high-pressure system is generating strong low-level winds (trade wind surge), up to 30 knots, across the central Atlantic Ocean, which is forecast to begin affecting T&T as early as this (Sunday) afternoon through the remainder of the week. As a result, open water waves are forecast to reach as high as 3.0 meters. Additionally, occasional long-period swells up to 16 second periods are forecast, leading to occasional battering waves in nearshore areas.
— Where: Open waters north and east of Trinidad and Tobago are likely to experience higher wave heights, with long-period swells predominantly affecting the northern coastlines of both islands. Choppy conditions are likely in sheltered areas.
— When: Deteriorating marine conditions are expected from Monday, and moderate to rough seas will continue throughout the week.
— Impacts: Large open water waves may be hazardous to smaller marine vessels, making operations difficult with large waves. Larger waves along northern and eastern coastlines may lead to beach erosion. Strong winds combined with large waves may build sea foam on easterly coastlines, mainly of Trinidad. Elevated threat of rip currents on northern and eastern coastlines.
— What Should You Do: All marine interests need to exercise extreme caution while small craft operators should seek safe harbor. Inexperienced mariners should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions, especially those operating smaller vessels. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to unsafe surf conditions. If you intend to go into the water, it is recommended that you use beaches with on-duty lifeguards. Secure objects on the beach-front that the wave action or winds may sweep away.
Both swell periods and open water wave heights may warrant another Hazardous Seas Alert from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service from Monday. Pay attention to the latest alerts coming from the TTMS:
Latest Alert
Hazardous Seas Alert In Effect As Open Water Waves Reach 3.0m
High Wind Alert In Effect For T&T – Gusts May Exceed 55 KM/H
Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning at this time.
Seas Forecast For Trinidad and Tobago
Monday through Wednesday: Winds are forecast to remain from the northeast to east-southeast between 15 and 25 knots, with gusts to 30 knots, peaking Monday evening through Tuesday. Seas in open waters are forecast to remain moderate to rough, with waves between 2.0 and 3.0 meters, particularly in northeastern and eastern waters, while waves in sheltered areas remain up to 1.5 meters. Seas may become locally choppy or rough in showers. Swell periods are forecast between 10 and 16 seconds, with swells from mainly the north and northeast. All marine interests should exercise caution, particularly along northern and northeastern coastlines.
Thursday through Saturday: Winds are forecast to remain from the northeast to east-southeast between 15 and 20 knots, with gusts to 25 knots. Seas in open waters are forecast to remain moderate to rough, with waves between 2.0 and 2.5 meters, occasionally reaching as high as 3.0 meters, particularly in northeastern and eastern waters, while waves in sheltered areas remain up to 1.5 meters. Seas may become locally choppy or rough in showers. Swell periods are forecast between 10 and 14 seconds, with swells from mainly the north and northeast. All marine interests should exercise caution, particularly along northern and northeastern coastlines.
Sunday: Winds are forecast to remain from the northeast to east-southeast between 15 and 25 knots, with gusts to 30 knots. Seas in open waters are forecast to remain moderate to rough, with waves between 2.5 and 3.0 meters, particularly in northeastern and eastern waters, while waves in sheltered areas remain up to 1.5 meters. Seas may become locally choppy or rough in showers. Swell periods are forecast between 9 and 13 seconds, with swells from mainly the north and northeast. All marine interests should exercise caution, particularly along northern and northeastern coastlines.
What should you do
All marine interests need to exercise extreme caution, while small craft operators should seek safe harbors. Inexperienced mariners should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions, especially those operating smaller vessels.
Through the week, occasional long-period swells are forecast to bring occasional battering waves along the northern exposed coastlines of both islands. Marine interests should also exercise caution.
With elevated winds forecast, secure objects on the beach-front that the wave action or winds may sweep away.
Due to likely unsafe surf conditions, inexperienced swimmers should stay out of the water. If you intend to go into the water, it is recommended that you use beaches with on-duty lifeguards.
Rip currents always pose a hazard on the nation’s beaches. If caught in a rip current, swim perpendicular to the current (parallel to the shore). Mariners, especially small craft operators, should ensure their vessels are securely anchored or docked, as choppy/breaking wave conditions may drag the vessel onto the ocean floor or reefs in shallow waters or even break anchorage/mooring.
