As forecast, a combination of elevated winds and long-period swells have begun to impact Trinidad and Tobago’s northern and eastern coastlines, with the most agitated seas ongoing today, Sunday.
What you need to know
— What is happening: Swell periods up to 17 seconds have been observed, producing large, battering, high-energy waves along Trinidad and Tobago’s northern and eastern coastlines. Large waves have been more impactful during high tide periods, with open waters also agitated due to elevated winds, with waves occasionally reaching 3.0 meters.
— What can we expect: Large, battering waves will continue along T&T’s northern and eastern coastlines, with choppy conditions in sheltered areas throughout the weekend into the first half of next week. Minor to moderate coastal erosion is possible. There is a high risk of rip currents along the country’s northern and eastern coastlines.
Latest Alerts
Hazardous Seas Alert Discontinued For T&T
Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning.
The Hazardous Seas Alert
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service updated the Hazardous Seas Alert (Yellow Level) on Sunday at 1:11 PM. The alert went into effect for Trinidad and Tobago’s northern and eastern coastal areas from 5:00 AM Saturday, November 18th, 2023, and has now been extended through 2:00 PM Tuesday, November 21st, 2023.
“Northerly long-period swells are mainly affecting the northern coastal areas of Trinidad and
Tobago and this is expected to persist until Tuesday (21st) afternoon. These swells can affect the highlighted coastal areas through occasional battering waves, especially during high tides. Moderate low-level winds can also result in generally choppy seas,” according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service. This “alert” status considers the possibility of the event occurring. This hazardous sea event has been observed.
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. Large battering waves and a high risk of rip currents are the two main hazards of this swell event.
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 is advising all marine interests to monitor near-shore sea conditions and exercise caution along affected areas, especially at high tides and continue to monitor updates from official sites.
