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Public warned of high surf, rip currents
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Posted on Feb 08 2022
The public is being warned that high surf is present along north facing reefs, while a high rip current risk is present along north and east facing reefs of the Marianas.
A high surf advisory is now in effect starting from 6pm last night to 6am today, Tuesday, while a high risk of rip currents is in effect from 6pm last night through Wednesday afternoon
Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam, and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, large breaking waves of 7 to 9 feet are expected in the surf zone of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
Dangerous rip currents are also expected from 6 pm last night through Wednesday afternoon, with the rip risk dropping to moderate for north facing reefs.
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 increasing, as the shearline from the north continues to descend across the Marianas. The combination of an east-northeast swell, north swell and elevated northeasterly winds will make surf hazardous along north facing reefs.
The public is advised to avoid venturing out toward north and east facing reefs. Elsewhere, 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)
