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Small craft advisory and high surf warning out
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Posted on Feb 21 2019
Fresh to strong trade winds are projected to persist this week. Also, a trade-wind swell will generate hazardous surf conditions and continue to produce a high risk of rip currents along east facing reefs all this week.
Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam, and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, fresh to strong northeast trade winds will continue to be hazardous for small craft through Friday. Seas and winds will build over the weekend as Tropical Storm Wutip approaches the waters.
A small craft advisory is now in effect until 6pm Tuesday next week.
The trade-wind swell will produce a high risk of rip currents along east facing reefs this week. A high surf advisory in effect until 6am Monday, while there will be a high risk of rip currents through Tuesday afternoon.
Northeast winds 20 to 25 knots are expected through Friday. Winds will increase over the weekend as Tropical Storm Wutip passes south of Guam.
Seas of 9 to 11 feet will continue through Friday. Seas will then begin to build over the weekend as Wutip moves south of Guam waters.
Along north facing reefs, hazardous surf of 8 to 10 feet will build over the next few days. Surf will remain hazardous at least through the weekend.
In east facing reefs, hazardous surf of 9 to 12 feet is now occurring and will continue to build over the next few days. Surf will remain hazardous at least through the weekend.
Hazardous surf conditions may spread to south and west facing reefs over the weekend as Tropical Storm Wutip moves southwest and west of the Marianas. A high surf warning is possible as well.
The public and inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid sailing in these conditions.
The public is also being advised to avoid venturing near reefs and beaches, especially those facing north and east facing reefs. Strong rip currents will be life threatening. If you become caught in a rip current, remain calm, swim parallel to shore then back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as you will tire quickly. (EOC)
