What you need to know
— What: A strong low-pressure system in the North Atlantic Ocean is building across the Lesser Antilles this weekend, forecast to produce strong surface to low-level winds and moderate to rough seas around the islands from Sunday. Peak wave heights are forecast between 3.0 meters and 3.5 meters with peak winds near 25 knots and gusts near 30 knots.
— 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 and waves are forecast on Monday and are set to marginally diminish as the week progresses. The alert is in effect through Thursday, March 19th.
— Impacts: 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. Some beach erosion is inevitable, with certain eastern beaches submerged, particularly at 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 issued a Hazardous Seas Alert for the northern and eastern exposed coastlines and open waters of Trinidad and Tobago at 2:03 PM Saturday, March 14th, 2026. The alert goes into effect at 6:00 PM Sunday, March 15th, 2026, and remains in effect through 12:00 PM (noon) Thursday, March 19th, 2026.
“The sea state along the northern and eastern exposed coastal areas, including offshore regions, is expected to deteriorate to rough conditions, with wave heights reaching up to 3.0 m. This is due to relatively strong winds which are expected to agitate 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 are likely, 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.
