The Barbados Meteorological Services has upgraded its Small Craft Advisory to a Small Craft and High Surf Warning as strong winds generate increasingly choppy sea conditions around Barbados.
The warning was issued at 11:30 a.m. today and is expected to remain in effect as conditions deteriorate from Friday, August 14, with the worst conditions forecast for Saturday.
Sea conditions are expected to reach 2 to 3 metres from Friday, increasing to between 2.5 and 3.5 metres in open water from Friday night into Saturday.
Winds of 20 to 25 knots are expected to persist through early Saturday before increasing to 25 to 30 knots on Saturday night.
BMS is warning small craft operators and beachgoers to prepare for large open-water swells, which could make operating smaller vessels difficult and increase the risk of injury or loss of life.
Some beach erosion is expected, with some beaches potentially becoming submerged, particularly below cliffs and around high tide.
Residents in areas close to the shoreline should also expect waves to frequently overtop onto roads and properties.
Conditions are expected to improve somewhat on Sunday.
The warning will be updated at 11 a.m. Friday, August 14, or sooner if conditions warrant. (BMS)