Public warned of high surf, rough seas

A trade-wind swell that is building right now will cause surf to increase through the week. Also, a large north swell from a mid-Pacific storm that is creating hazardous surf along north facing reefs has been extended to last through today, Wednesday.

The strong winds and rough seas this week have prompted the issuance of a small craft advisory that will be in effect through Saturday night.

Fresh to strong northeast winds will continue across the region through Saturday. In addition, combined seas of 8 to 10 feet will persist as a result of the combination of an east and a long- period north swell.

Northeast winds will gradually turn east while they continue for most of the week. Combined seas of 8 to 10 feet will continue through the week.

Small craft can be blown off course or be capsized. Wind speeds up to 25 knots are expected to produce hazardous conditions for operating small craft.

The public and inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid sailing in these conditions.

Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam, and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, surf is building along northern and eastern shores this week and a high surf advisory is now in effect until this evening. There is a high risk of rip currents through late Sunday.

For the high surf advisory, there will be large breaking waves of 7 to 9 feet, resulting in dangerous and frequent rip currents along north facing reefs and along north and east facing reefs of the Marianas.

The high surf advisory is in effect until this evening. For the high risk of rip currents, the warning is through next Ssunday night, primarily on the east facing reefs after Wednesday.

These conditions mean dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

The public is advised to avoid venturing out along the reef line, especially along north and east facing reefs. Large breaking waves can knock you down and injure you. Strong rip currents along both north and east facing reefs can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Stay out of the water. (Saipan Tribune)