Barbados Meteorological Services has upgraded a small craft advisory to a small craft warning.
This alert message is valid from 6 a.m., Friday, January 1, and will be updated at 6 a.m. on Saturday, January 2.
A small craft warning is issued in this case when sustained winds of 25 to 33 knots and sea swells greater than three metres (greater than ten feet) are affecting or forecast to affect the marine area within the next 36 hours.
A high surf advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses or is forecast to pose a threat to life and property within the surf zone during the next 36 hours.
The Met Office said a low-pressure system in the northern Atlantic, coupled with strong surface winds, is forecast to result in a deterioration of sea conditions mainly across the northern, eastern and south-eastern coasts of Barbados beginning Friday.
Throughout the weekend, sea swells are expected to be moderate to rough peaking near 3.5 metres (11 feet) with wind speeds reaching a maximum of 30 knots (56 km/h).
A gradual decrease in sea swells and surface winds is forecast for Monday morning.
All marine craft operators and beachgoers should note that large open water swells can be hazardous to some vessels and the operation of smaller vessels could be difficult at times during this period.
For more information specific to your area, please visit: https://www.barbadosweather.org/marineBarResp.php or the social media pages of Barbados Meteorological Services. (PR)
