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Public warned of high surf today
A high surf advisory is currently in effect until 6pm today, Thursday. A small craft advisory for hazardous seas is also in effect until 6pm today.
According to the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management, surf on east facing reefs will build and peak between 10 and 12 feet then subside to below advisory heights today. Surf on south facing reefs will peak between 8 and 10 feet then subside to below advisory heights today.
A small craft advisory for hazardous seas means that seas 10 feet or greater will create conditions hazardous to small craft. Combined seas of 9 to 11 feet will produce hazardous conditions for operators of small craft tonight. Seas are expected to subside to between 8 and 9 feet by this afternoon.
The public is being advised to avoid venturing near exposed reefs and beaches, especially those along east and south facing reefs as rip currents will be life threatening. Mariners should avoid shoaling areas where long period swell can sharpen into large breaking waves. It is not unusual for waves to break much farther from shoaling areas than is normally experienced. Remember, breaking waves can easily capsize even larger vessels. (HSEM)
