Previous Story
Public warned of rough seas, rip currents
|
Posted on Dec 13 2021
The public is being warned that large breaking waves of 9 to 12 feet and dangerous rip currents are present in north and east facing reefs of the Marianas.
Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Guam and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, a high surf advisory remains in effect until 6am today, Tuesday and there is a high rip current risk through Tuesday afternoon. A small craft advisory remains in effect until 6am Tuesday.
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.
Large north and east swell were expected to peak last night, then slowly subside today into tonight. Surf along east facing reefs could fall below hazardous levels of 12 feet sometime Monday, with surf along north facing reefs possibly falling below hazardous levels of 9 feet Monday night.
East winds of 15 to 25 knots with gusts up to 30 knots and seas 8 to 11 feet will be present in Marianas coastal waters until 6am Tuesday. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Strongest winds and highest seas are expected over Tinian and Saipan waters, marginally less for Guam and Rota waters. Seas and wind will lessen Tuesday, possibly falling below hazardous levels.
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, to avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.
Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. The public is being advised to stay out of the water along north and east facing shores. Elsewhere, swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, swim in a direction following the shoreline until you are out of the current, then head in to shore. (PR)
