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High risk rip current/beach hazards warnings out
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Posted on Jan 08 2019
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres is advising the general public to avoid venturing near reefs and beaches, especially those facing east as high risk of rip currents and beach hazards warnings are now in effect through Tuesday afternoon.
Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, large swells will continue to produce hazardous surf and dangerous rip currents on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
The report said the large breaking waves can knock you down and cause serious injuries. Strong rip currents will be life threatening. If you become caught in a rip current, remain calm, swim parallel to shore, and then back toward the beach when possible.
Along east facing reefs, surf of 7 to 9 feet is expected, which is below the hazardous level of 12 feet. However, this surf will produce a high risk of rip currents through Tuesday afternoon.
A beach hazard statement is issued when threats such as rip currents, longshore currents, sneaker waves, and other hazards create life-threatening conditions in the surf zone. Caution should be used when in or near the water.
Portuguese man-o-war are also washing up on local beaches and are likely to continue washing up over the next few days.
Man-o-war have been reported on the east coast at Ipan and on the west coast at both Piti and Tumon. This specie of jellyfish can inflict a painful sting even after they have died. Remain watchful and avoid touching them. Closed-toe shoes are recommended as long as these jellyfish are washing ashore. (PR)
