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High surf warning in effect for VI

- Persons urged to take caution in water today, Sunday Dec 1, 2019 into Monday
December 1st, 2019 | Tags: High Surf Virgin Island DDM beach swimming
According to the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) a high Surf warning has been issued for the Virgin Islands (VI) as of today, December 1, 2019. Photo: File/DDM
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The Virgin Islands (VI) Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has issued a High Surf Advisory for the territory as of today, December 1, 2019.

"Moderate, long period swells, being generated by a low-pressure area located over the northern North Atlantic, are reaching the area. The swells are expected to cause high surfs and powerful rip currents, which will be a severe threat to life and property in the surf zone," the DDM said. 

As a result of this, the department noted that there is a likelihood of flooding in some low-lying coastal areas and caution should be taken. 

"Seas: 2 to 3 metres (6 to 10 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 4 metres (over 12 feet). Swell period: 12 to 15 seconds. Swells: north at 2 to 3 metres (6 to 10 feet) and occasionally higher. Highest swells will take place across the northern waters of the British Virgin Islands," the release said and this will continue until tomorrow Monday. 

Dangerous Rip Currents 

The DMM noted that sea conditions will also be very conducive for dangerous rip currents as such person should take caution in the waters. Impacts could include loss of life, as strong currents can even carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea. 

More effects could include "injuries to beachgoers; beach erosion; sea water splashing onto low lying coastal roads; beach closures; disruptions to marine recreation and businesses; financial losses; damage to coral reefs; saltwater intrusion and disruptions to potable water from desalination. High surfs can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties. Breaking waves may occasionally impact harbours making navigating the harbour channel dangerous." 

The DDM says a high surf warning means that dangerous battering waves, with surfs of over 3 metres or over 10 feet, will pound the shoreline and also urged persons to stay away from rocky and or coastal structures along beaches in the affected areas.

8 Responses to “High surf warning in effect for VI”

  • Headless Chicken (01/12/2019, 16:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    so my sail to Anegada going be ruff
  • SCB (01/12/2019, 17:12) Like (0) Dislike (10) Reply
    Why is there a warning and hurricanes season is over?
  • Really (01/12/2019, 20:59) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    You not serious, what high surf have to do with Hurricane?
  • Accident waiting (02/12/2019, 04:45) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    They need to restore that warning light around the bluff
  • Hmmmm (02/12/2019, 06:16) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    I watch this thing and its scarey.. No wind. No Rain. Hot Sun. Hmmm.. Yet these Storm waves all in people's yard.. That's a sign. Time to get those Sea banks in higher and stronger... This is Scarey.
  • lol (02/12/2019, 07:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    lol its going be ruff.Understatement looking Back eh.
  • Marie (02/12/2019, 08:14) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Josiah's Bay had plenty of the high surf covering the entire beach Sunday. Everyone used good sense and stayed out of the water and went elsewhere where it was safe.
  • resident (02/12/2019, 13:58) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Took a drive down West yesterday. Was very surprised to see the water in the road. I'm very concerned about that roadway. The govt needs to work quickly in reinforcing that sea wall! You can see the damage in other countries of rising sea levels so this problem down there can only get worst.
    On another note I was happy to see the road sides getting a face lift. This is well needed in all districts!


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