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Met Office issues High Surf Advisory

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The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued a High Surf Advisory which will remain in effect for Antigua and Barbuda until Tuesday. 

Also affected by the advisory are Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands.

According to the Met Office, here in Antigua and Barbuda, reefs and exposed northern and eastern coastlines with relatively shallow, gently to moderately sloping, nearshore areas will be impacted most.

During this time, moderate long-period swells are expected to reach the area and affect mainly the northern and eastern coastlines.

The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of those using the affected coastlines is moderate to high with the potential for significant impacts.

These swells could cause life-threatening surfs and rip currents on affected coastlines.

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, do not swim against the current. If you are able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If escape is not possible, face the shore and call or wave for help.

Small craft and sea bathers are discouraged from venturing into the water during this dangerous period.

The Met Office has indicated that beach closures, localised disruptions to marine recreation and businesses, damage to coral reefs and disruptions to potable water from desalination are all possible outcomes of the high surf conditions.

A high surf advisory means that dangerous surfs of 2 to 3 metres or 6 to 10 feet will affect some coastlines in the advisory area, producing hazardous conditions.

During the period of the advisory, significant sea swells of 1.5 to 2.4 metres (5 to 8 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 3.0 metres (10 feet) are expected.

Surfs, or breaking swells, of over 2 metres, or 6 feet are likely.

High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions could also result in localised coastal flooding and beach erosion in at risk areas.

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