Powerful ocean swells are forecast to impact the USVI and Puerto Rico beginning today, generating hazardous marine conditions that will last for multiple days.
“A long period northerly swell will deteriorate marine and coastal conditions today and Friday. A second pulse of another long period northeasterly swell will extend the hazardous conditions Saturday onward. Then, a third pulse of long-period swell from the NNW will reach the local waters early next week,” according to an update from the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan, PR, on Thursday.
A “swell period” refers to the amount of time between breaking waves, as mentioned in another recent marine weather article in the Source.
The NWS has issued the following weather alerts regarding the rough seas.
A “High Rip Current Risk” is in effect for portions of the USVI and Puerto Rico until at least 8 p.m. AST on Sunday.
A “High Surf Advisory” is in effect until at least 6 p.m. AST on Sunday.
A “Small Craft Advisory” will go into effect at 2 a.m. AST on Friday and last until at least 9 p.m. AST on Sunday.
Additionally, a “Coastal Flood Advisory” is in effect for areas around the Atlantic coastline of Puerto Rico until at least Friday at 6 p.m. AST.
The following impacts are expected over the next few days, and swimmers and boaters are encouraged to remain vigilant.
“Dangerous swimming conditions. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper waters. Hazardous breaking waves. Minor beach erosion,” according to the NWS marine weather update.
Weather updates and safety information is posted regularly on the Source Weather Page. USVI residents and visitors can also sign up for emergency alerts from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.
