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Public warned of high surf and risk of rip currents
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Posted on Jan 23 2020
The public is being warned of strong winds and rough seas this week.
Fresh to strong northeast winds will continue across the region through Saturday. In addition, combined seas of 8 to 10 feet will persist as a result of the combination of an east and a long-period north swell.
A small craft advisory remains in effect until 6pm Monday.
Building trade-wind swell will cause surf to increase through the week. The high rip current risk remains in effect until next Monday night, Jan. 27.
Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam, and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, hazardous surf will be along north and east facing reefs this week. The high risk of rip currents will be along north and east facing reefs of the Marianas.
Northeast winds of 15 to 25 knots will gradually turn east while they continue through the weekend. Combined seas of 8 to 10 ft will continue through Monday.
Marine conditions are hazardous for the operation of small craft, which can be blown off course or be capsized. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid sailing in these conditions.
This also makes for dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
The public is being warned to avoid venturing out along the reef line, especially along north and east facing reefs. Large breaking waves can knock you down. If you become caught in a rip current, yell for help. Remain calm. Do not exhaust yourself. Stay afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip current, 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. (Saipan Tribune)
