What you need to know
— What: A large low-pressure system in the North Atlantic Ocean has been producing long-period swells up to 15 seconds, which are now producing large, breaking waves along northern coastlines of the Lesser Antilles. Spring tides are set to end on February 20th.
— Where: Swells have impacted T&T’s northern coastlines, forecast to affect north-facing coastlines in the Gulf of Paria on Friday.
— When: Peak long-period swells up to 15 seconds are forecast from Thursday afternoon into Friday, with less-impactful swells of periods up to between 11 and 12 seconds continuing from Sunday morning through Monday evening.
— 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. Limit nearshore marine activities.
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 a Hazardous Seas Alert for the northern exposed coastlines of Trinidad and Tobago, including north-facing coastlines of the Gulf of Paria to a lesser extent, at 9:47 AM Thursday, February 19th, 2026. The alert went into effect at 2:00 PM Thursday, February 19th, 2026, and remains in effect through 6:00 PM Saturday, February 21st, 2026. Forecast models indicate that more impactful long-period swells are expected to return late Monday, with peak swells on Wednesday and into Thursday.
“High-energy, long-period northerly swells are expected to produce large breakers along nearshore northern coastal areas. This event can cause large, battering waves exacerbated at high tides, along these shorelines. Near-shore activities, including fishing, swimming, and boat moorings, can be disrupted. Impacts may also include 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 a potential for injuries and may require 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 all marine interests should monitor near-shore sea conditions and exercise extra caution along affected coasts. Limit nearshore marine activities.
