Public warned of high surf ’til Friday

Based on information received from the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam, the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point issued yesterday a high surf advisory, which is in effect from 1am today, Tuesday, to 6am Friday.

The high surf advisory is for both Saipan and Tinian and is in effect until 6am Friday.

For north facing reefs, hazardous surf of 8 to 10 feet will increase. Surf is expected to peak near 14 feet on Wednesday before beginning to subside. The surf on north facing reefs is expected to remain above hazardous levels through Friday morning as a large north swell veers to northeast over the next couple of days. Surf may become hazardous for east facing reefs up to Wednesday.

On Rota, the high surf advisory is in effect from 1am Tuesday to 6am Friday. For north facing reefs, the increasing north swell is expected to bring hazardous surf of 8 to 10 feet to Rota early this morning. Surf is expected to peak near 14 feet on Wednesday before beginning to subside. The surf on north facing reefs is expected to remain above hazardous levels through Friday morning.

Surf may become hazardous for east facing reefs Wednesday as a large north swell veers to northeast over the next couple of days.

The public is advised to avoid venturing near reefs along exposed beaches, especially those facing north, as rip currents will be life-threatening. High surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions.

A small craft advisory is also in effect until 6am Friday. Moderate to fresh winds over Tinian and Saipan waters are expected to gradually increase, with winds of 20 to 30 knots expected today, Tuesday.

On Rota, a building north swell is resulting in combined seas between 8 and 10 feet over Tinian and Saipan waters. This north swell will gradually move in to Rota and Guam waters. Seas between 8 and 10 feet are expected to arrive over Rota and northern Guam waters and are expected to peak near 12 feet on Wednesday before beginning to subside. Seas are expected to remain above advisory levels through early Friday morning.

Moderate winds are also expected to gradually increase over Guam and Rota waters today, with winds of 20 to 25 knots expected by Tuesday evening.

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid sailing in these conditions. (EOC)