Winds are set to decrease gradually this week, as are wave heights, particularly by the weekend. However, moderate to rough seas continue, particularly over the next 24 hours, leading to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service extending the Hazardous Seas Alert through noon tomorrow (Tuesday).
What you need to know
— What: A strong Atlantic high-pressure system continues to generate strong low-level winds, up to 30 knots, across the Atlantic Ocean, affecting T&T. These winds are forecast to decline through the week gradually. As a result, open water waves are forecast to range between 2.5 and 3.0 meters.
— 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: Continued deteriorated marine conditions and rough open water conditions are expected through 12:00 PM (noon) Tuesday, February 18th, 2025.
— 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.
Latest Alerts
Hazardous Seas Alert Extended Until Noon Tomorrow for T&T
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, February 17th, 2025, at 2:44 PM. The alert went into effect for exposed northern and eastern coastal areas of Trinidad and Tobago and offshore areas from 8:00 PM Monday, February 10th, 2025, now through 12:00 PM (noon) Tuesday, February 18th, 2025.
“The sea conditions along the northern and eastern exposed coastal areas, including offshore regions/open waters, are rough and choppy, with wave heights in excess of 2.5m and reaching near 3.0 m. 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. 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 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.
