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Public warned of high surf, rip currents
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Posted on Jan 25 2022
The public is being warned that large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet and dangerous rip currents are present in north and east facing reefs of the Marianas.
A high surf advisory is in effect until 10am today, Tuesday, while a high risk of rip currents is in effect until this afternoon.
Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Guam and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center-State Warning Point, the high surf advisory is in place until 10 am Tuesday. The high rip current risk is in effect through Tuesday afternoon.
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.
Wave models and satellite-derived sea heights show seas slowly subsiding. North and northeasterly swells will continue to support surf of 7 to 10 feet through last night but will continue to subside, with surf expected to fall below hazardous levels this morning. The surf along east facing shores is expected to fall below 9 feet this afternoon, which would bring the rip current risk down to moderate.
Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions.
The public is reminded to stay out of the water along north and east facing reefs. 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)
