The National Weather Service has issued warnings for hazardous marine and coastal conditions expected to affect the region, including Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, through at least Tuesday. The warning comes as pulses of northerly swells and increased winds create dangerous seas and coastal hazards.
Marine and Coastal Hazards in Effect
Strong northerly swells and winds of 15 to 20 knots are forecasted to generate rough seas, with waves reaching heights of 8 to 10 feet. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect due to these hazardous seas, making navigation unsafe for small vessels. Conditions are expected to improve by late Monday into Tuesday as winds diminish, becoming light to moderate from the east-northeast.
A High Surf Advisory is also in place for the northern coasts of Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, and the U.S. Virgin Islands through Monday afternoon. Residents and visitors in these areas should expect large breaking waves, which may cause localized minor flooding, beach and dune erosion, and potential damage to beachfront structures.
In addition, a High Rip Current Risk remains in effect through at least next Tuesday, with strong rip currents posing a danger even to experienced swimmers.
Potential Impacts and Safety Measures
- Small Craft Advisory: Hazardous seas will make conditions unsafe for small boats. Mariners should exercise extreme caution and avoid venturing out.
- High Rip Current Risk: Rip currents can pull swimmers away from the shore. Swimmers are urged to stay out of the water in affected areas.
- High Surf Advisory: Large waves could sweep over jetties and rocks, creating dangerous conditions for individuals and pets. Rough surf could knock people off their feet, and localized flooding may impact low-lying beachfront properties.
Marine hazards are expected across the Atlantic waters and local passages, while coastal hazards will primarily impact the northern coasts of Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The National Weather Service advises residents, mariners, and visitors to remain vigilant and stay updated on changing conditions. For detailed information, including a map of affected areas, refer to the Experimental Graphical Hazard Weather Outlook at https://www.weather.gov/erh/ghwo?wfo=sju.
Residents and visitors in affected areas are encouraged to exercise caution and follow all advisories to ensure their safety during this period of hazardous conditions.
