CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Hazardous, rough seas fueled by northerly swells will create life-threatening rip current conditions along the northern beaches of the northern U.S. Virgin Islands, Culebra, and Puerto Rico today, the National Weather Service said.
Large breaking waves, reaching up to 11 feet, will result in dangerous swimming conditions and may cause localized beach erosion, according to the NWS.
Consequently, High Rip Current Risk and High Surf Advisories are in effect.
These hazardous conditions are expected to persist and expand to additional surf zone areas through the weekend.
Areas at Risk and Timing:
- For marine hazards: Atlantic waters and local Caribbean passages from now through at least next Sunday.
- For coastal hazards: North-facing beaches of PR, from Rincon to Fajardo, as well as Culebra, St. Thomas & St. John from now through at least next Sunday.
Hazards & Potential Threats/Impacts:
- Small Craft Advisory: Hazardous seas impacting small crafts.
- High Rip Current Risk: Rip currents with the potential to pull even experienced swimmers away from shore.
- High Surf Advisory: Large breaking waves can wash over jetties, sweeping people and pets onto rocks, and rough surf may knock individuals down. Localized beach and dune erosion, along with dangerous swimming conditions are likely. Localized minor flooding and damage to beachfront structures is possible.
For updates on marine conditions, rip currents, and other hazard risks, along with a detailed map of the areas at risk, refer to the Experimental Graphical Hazard Weather Outlook: https://www.weather.gov/erh/ghwo?wfo=sju.
