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Public warned of high seas, rip currents
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Posted on Dec 03 2019
The CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point is warning the public that there is a high risk of rip currents for north and east facing reefs on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota through Wednesday afternoon.
Also, a small craft advisory is in effect until midnight Tuesday night.
The National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam, issued the rip current advisory late afternoon yesterday.
For north facing reefs, a north swell continues to subside. However, residual effects combined with wraparound from east facing reefs will maintain a high risk of rip currents through Tuesday morning.
For east facing reefs, an increasing trade-wind swell will produce surf of 8 to 10 feet. Surf will remain below hazardous levels of 12 feet but will be sufficient to produce a high risk of rip currents.
Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and in the vicinity of structures. Heed the advice of lifeguards, beach patrol flags, and signs.
If you become caught in a rip current, remain calm. Do not exhaust yourself and stay afloat while waiting for help. Swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as you will tire quickly.
The public is being advised to avoid venturing out along north and east facing reefs and beaches. Huge pounding waves can knock you down and cause serious injuries. Strong rip currents will be life threatening.
Observations from the Tanapag buoy indicate seas have risen to between 10 and 12 feet. Seas should remain hazardous to small craft through this Tuesday afternoon.
Combined seas of 8 to 10 feet will persist through Tuesday evening. Seas of 10 feet or higher will produce wave conditions hazardous to small craft. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid sailing in these conditions.
