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Public warned of high surf, rip currents
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Posted on Jan 03 2019
A high surf advisory is in effect until 7am Friday.
Also, a small craft advisory is in effect until 6pm Tuesday next week due to a high risk of rip currents through Tuesday 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 swells will continue to produce hazardous surf and dangerous rip currents on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
Along north facing reefs, expect hazardous surf of 8 to 10 feet to slowly subside to between 7 and 9 feet today. Surf will continue to subside further, possibly falling below hazardous levels tonight. There is still a high risk of rip currents.
Along east facing reefs, surf is expected to remain below the hazardous level of 12 feet but surf of up to 10 feet will produce a high risk of rip currents for several more days.
Northeast winds of 15 to 25 knots and combined seas of 9 to 11 feet will produce hazardous conditions for operators of small craft through the beginning of next week. The public and inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid sailing in these conditions.
The public is advised to avoid venturing near reefs and beaches, especially those facing east or north. Large breaking waves can knock you down and cause serious injuries. Strong rip currents will be life-threatening.
If you become caught in a rip current, yell for help. Remain calm. Do not exhaust yourself and 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. (PR)
