What you need to know
— What: A large low-pressure system in the North Atlantic Ocean has been producing long-period swells up to 16 seconds, which are forecast to produce large, breaking waves. In addition, spring tides through October 24th will enhance wave heights during high tide. Lastly, increased winds in heavy showers/thunderstorms are likely to lead to locally choppy/rough seas.
— Where: Swells are expected first to impact T&T’s northern coastlines, then north-facing coastlines in the Gulf of Paria. Locally choppy/locally rough seas are likely across the entire marine area in heavy showers and thunderstorms.
— When: Peak long-period swells up to 16 seconds are forecast from mid-Monday into Tuesday with less-impactful swells of periods up to 13 seconds continuing into Wednesday.
— Impacts: Agitated seas with exacerbated conditions at high tides, larger-than-normal breakers with large, battering waves in the surf zone; disruption of near-shore activities, including fishing, swimming, and boat moorings; coastal flooding with intrusion of salt water, and displacement of sand, further than the average reach point, and elevated risk of rip currents, particularly along northern and eastern beaches.
— 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. Restrict nearshore marine activities. Secure coastal property and objects on the beachfront that the wave action or winds may sweep away.
Latest Alerts
High Wind Alert Remains In Effect 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 issued the Hazardous Seas Alert for the northern coastal areas of Trinidad and Tobago and, to a lesser extent, the north facing coastline in the Gulf of Paria, at 9:42 AM Monday, October 20th, 2025. The alert went into effect at noon (12:00 PM) Monday, October 20th, 2025, and remains in effect through 3:00 PM Tuesday, October 21st, 2025. Forecast models indicate occasional long-period swells are forecast to continue through Wednesday morning.
“High energy, northerly, long-periods swells of up to 16 seconds, in combination with spring tides, are expected to affect the islands. Impacts: Agitated seas with exacerbated conditions at high tides, larger than normal breakers with large battering waves in the surf zone, disruption of near-shore activities, including fishing, swimming and boat moorings, intrusion of salt water and displacement of sand, further than the average reach point,” according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service.
The alert’s color indicates the event’s severity and the likelihood of its occurrence. Currently, the alert level is yellow. This means the hazards are possible and the impacts are moderate for this 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 potential for injuries, requiring behavioral changes to ensure safety. There may be minor property damage, income-earning temporarily disrupted, and a couple of communities affected.
The Met Office advises that all marine interests should carefully monitor nearshore/coastal sea conditions and exercise caution along identified areas. Restrict nearshore marine activities. Secure coastal property.
