What you need to know
— What: A strong low-pressure system in the North Atlantic Ocean is producing strong surface to low-level winds and moderate to rough seas around the islands. Waves up to 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) are forecast.
— Where: While the entire marine area is affected, open-water seas, particularly northern and eastern exposed coastlines and seas, will experience agitated seas and larger waves along those coastlines.
— When: Peak winds began on Monday and are set to marginally diminish as the week progresses. The alert is in effect through Thursday, March 5th. However, sustained winds up to 20 knots and gusts to 30 knots are forecast through Saturday.
— Impacts: Agitated seas are likely to be particularly perilous for offshore activities. This includes fishing and other small craft marine interests. Due to 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. Some beach erosion is inevitable, with some eastern beaches submerged, particularly at times of high tide.
— What Should You Do: All marine interests need to exercise extreme caution. Inexperienced mariners should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions, especially those operating smaller vessels. If you intend to go into the water at beaches, it is recommended that you use beaches with on-duty lifeguards.
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 updated the Hazardous Seas Alert for the northern and eastern exposed coastlines of Trinidad and Tobago at 1:12 PM on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026. The alert went into effect at 5:00 PM Monday, March 2nd, 2026, and remains in effect through 6:00 PM Thursday, March 5th, 2026.
“The sea conditions along the northern and eastern exposed coastal areas, including offshore regions, are currently rough, with wave heights reaching up to 3.5m. 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.
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 have been observed, 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, a temporary disruption of income-earning, and a couple of affected communities.
The Met Office advises that all marine interests are advised to exercise extreme caution. Beachgoers are urged to heed the instructions of lifeguards and those in authority.
