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Public warned of high surf, rip currents
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Posted on Dec 29 2021
The public is being warned of large breaking waves up to 10 feet and dangerous rip currents on Saipan, Tinian, Rota.
A high surf advisory is in effect from 6pm last night to 6am Thursday. There is also a high risk of rip currents from 6pm last night through tonight, Wednesday.
Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Guam and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, north, east, and west facing reefs will have high rip current risk, while north and west facing reefs will have large breaking waves up to 10 feet.
These conditions will create dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
A long-period northwest and a northeast trade-wind swell will increase, causing surf to build along all but south facing reefs. Surf will fall Wednesday night into Thursday.
The public is advised to avoid venturing toward north, east, and west facing reefs. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don’t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help. (PR)
