This week, a potentially dangerous combination of strong low-level winds offshore, spring tides through February 15th, and occasional long-period swells are 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, up to 30 knots, across the Atlantic Ocean, which is forecast to begin affecting T&T as early as this (Monday) evening through early next week. As a result, open water waves are forecast to reach and exceed 3.0 meters from Wednesday. Additionally, occasional long-period swells of up to 18 second periods are forecast, leading to occasional battering waves in nearshore areas. Spring tides through February 15th will exacerbate conditions 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 night, and moderate to mainly rough seas will continue throughout the week and weekend.
— 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 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.
These conditions prompted the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) to issue a Hazardous Seas Alert for this event.
Latest Alerts
Hazardous Seas Alert Issued For T&T: Rough Seas Forecast For Next 7 Days
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 issued a Hazardous Seas Alert (Yellow Level) on Monday, February 10th, 2025, at 4:05 PM. The alert goes into effect for exposed northern and northeastern coastal areas of Trinidad and Tobago and offshore areas from 8:00 PM Monday, February 10th, 2025, through 6:00 PM Monday, February 17th, 2025.
“The sea conditions along the northern and eastern exposed coastal areas, including offshore regions, are expecting to deteriorate to rough conditions, with wave heights maintaining in excess of 2.5m and reaching up to 3.0m. This is due to relatively strong winds that are agitating the sea surface, leading to large waves and potentially dangerous sea conditions,” according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service.
They add, “Agitated seas are likely to be particularly perilous for offshore activities. This includes fishing and other small craft marine interests. Due to the presence of spring tides, conditions at seawalls along exposed coastlines can be exacerbated at high tide. There is also 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.”
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 are likely, 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.
