Small craft and high surf warnings are in effect for Barbados until 8 a.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2021.
A small craft warning is issued when sustained winds of 25 to 33 knots and/or sea swells greater than 3 meters (greater than 10 feet) and/or reduced visibility (less than 5 km) are affecting or forecast to affect the marine area within the next 36 hours.
A high surf warning is issued when breaking wave action results in or is forecast to result in an especially heightened threat to life and property in the surf zone within the next 36 hours.
A strong area of low pressure in the northern Atlantic is expected to cause a deterioration of sea conditions across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Swells are expected to range from 2.5 to 3.0 metres on Saturday night.
From Sunday, swell heights are forecast to range from 3 to 3.5 metres (10 to 12ft) in open water until Tuesday morning.
Beachgoers should exercise extreme caution or stay out of the water during the warning period as sea conditions could be life threatening.
All marine craft operators should note that large open water swells may be hazardous to some vessels and operation of smaller vessels may be difficult at times. These northerly swells can pose a further threat along western coasts where wave action may result in beach erosion and some spillover onto low-lying coastal roads. (PR/SAT)
