…High surf advisory in effect for Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Grand Turk, Salt Cay…
Locations to be affected: Reefs and mainly exposed north to east-facing coastlines
Timing: Until Thursday
Synopsis: The pressure gradient between a strong high pressure north of the area and a cold front south of the Turks and Caicos Islands is producing a large area of fresh to strong northeast-to-east winds with seas of 6 to 10 feet near the Turks and Caicos Islands. A high surf advisory means that dangerous surfs of 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 metres) will affect some coastlines in the advisory area, producing hazardous conditions.
Seas (significant wave heights): 6 to 9 feet (1.5 to 2 metres), occasionally or locally reaching over 10 feet (3 metres).Swell period: 8 to 11 seconds. Swells: Northeast to east at 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 metres), occasionally higher.
Surfs (breaking swells): Over 2 metres (over 6 feet). These conditions are conducive to dangerous rip currents. Please note that surfs could be as much as twice the height of swells, depending on the bathymetry of the near shore areas.
Coastal flooding: High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions could result in localized coastal flooding and beach erosion.
Potential Impacts: Loss of life–strong currents that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea; injuries to beachgoers; beach erosion; sea water splashing onto low-lying coastal roads; beach closures; localized disruptions to marine recreation and businesses; damage to coral reefs. High surfs can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties.
Precautionary: Beachgoers should be extremely cautious; only enter the waters where lifeguards are present or the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the south and west.
Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and near structures such as groins, jetties, and piers. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
Please continue to monitor these hazardous, life-threatening marine conditions. Stay tuned to updates coming out of the National Weather Service, twitter.com/tcinws and facebook.com/tcinws. Also, stay tuned to DDME social media platforms and the DDME Alert App for updates.
RTC News will also have additional updates during the day on 89.1fm.
