A HIGH SURF ADVISORY AND SMALL CRAFT WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

Issued at 12:00 noon Thursday 9th January, 2020 A strong high pressure system centered over the eastern Atlantic is forecast to generate easterly to east north- easterly surface winds of 20 – 25 knots (37 to 46 km/h), and easterly to east north-easterly swells peaking near 3.0m (10ft) from around 5am, Friday 10th January. A further deterioration in these conditions is anticipatedfrom late Sunday with swells peaking near 3.5m (11ft) and wind speeds increasing to 25 – 30 knots (46 to 56km/h). Therefore, a High-Surf Advisory and Small-Craft Warning is in effect for St. Vincent and the Grenadines fordeteriorating marine conditions which are expected to affect the islands from around 12:00 noon Thursday 9th January, 2020 until 11:00am Wednesday 15th January 2020. Large waves and dangerous rip-currents during that time could create unsafe conditions for small-craft operators, particularly on the eastern, northern-eastern and south-eastern coastlines. Sea-bathers are also advised to stay out of the water during the warning period. However, some caution must still be exercised along western, north western and south western coastlines of the island. These conditions could become even more adverse at times of high tide. A Small-Craft Warning means in this case that winds of 25 – 30 knots or greater and seas equal to or greaterthan 3 meters (10ft) are forecast to affect the marine area. A High-Surf Advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses a threat to life and property within the surfzone.