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 strong Atlantic high-pressure system is generating strong low-level winds (trade wind surge), up to 30 knots, across the central Atlantic Ocean, affecting T&T throughout the week. As a result, open water waves have reached 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 and 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 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.
As mentioned earlier, these conditions prompted the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) to issue a Hazardous Seas Alert for this event.
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.
The Hazardous Seas Alert
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service updated the Hazardous Seas Alert (Yellow Level) on Monday, January 20th, 2025, at 1:05 PM. The alert went into effect for exposed northern and northeastern coastal areas of Trinidad and Tobago and offshore areas from 8:30 AM Monday, January 20th, 2025, through 6:00 PM Thursday, January 23rd, 2025.
“The sea state along the northern and eastern exposed coastal areas, including offshore regions, have deteriorated to rough conditions, with wave heights reaching up to and in excess of 3.0 m. This is due to relatively strong winds, which have agitated the sea surface, leading to large waves and potentially dangerous sea conditions,” according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service.
They add, “There is an increased risk of strong rip currents, posing a serious hazard to swimmers and beachgoers. Rip currents can be life-threatening even for experienced swimmers. Agitated seas are likely to be particularly perilous for offshore activities, including fishing and other small craft marine interests.”
The alert’s color indicates the event’s severity and probability of the event occurring. Currently, the alert level is Yellow. This means that the hazards have been observed, and the severity of impacts is moderate for this particular alert.
There is an increased risk of strong rip currents, which pose a serious hazard to swimmers and beachgoers. Rip currents can be life-threatening even for experienced swimmers. Agitated seas will likely be particularly dangerous for offshore activities, including fishing and other small craft marine interests.
For a moderate Hazardous Seas Alert, there is the potential for possible injuries, where behavioral changes are required to ensure safety. There may be minor damage to property, with income-earning temporarily disrupted and a couple of communities affected.
The Met Office advises all marine interests are advised to exercise extreme caution. Beachgoers are urged to heed the instructions of lifeguards and those in authority.
