A high surf warning is in effect for the territory with extremely dangerous 20- to 30-foot breaking waves possible 10 a.m. Friday through Saturday morning, according to an alert from the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency. Boaters and swimmers are being urged to take care entering the water and coming into dock during this period.
In a conference call Thursday evening with local government agencies, the National Weather Service at San Juan warned a cold front approaching the Atlantic waters and Caribbean passages is bringing with it large, long-period swells of 10 to 15 feet.
“These swells, approaching from the north-northwest, will make marine conditions rough and hazardous for swimmers and boaters attempting to enter port," said VITEMA Director Mark Walters in a statement. "Local beachgoers should be vigilant for large breaking waves surging upon the shoreline and against rock formations, which can carry people into the ocean.”
Boaters in the ocean will not feel the effect of these swells until entering port, and as a result, the V.I. Port Authority is asking that they proceed with extreme caution. Marine conditions are expected to deteriorate Friday morning and to remain unsettled through the weekend. These conditions will be similar to what the territory experienced the end of December.
A coastal flood warning also has been issued for St. Thomas and St. John through Friday night. According to the National Weather Service, the breaking waves will produce significant water rises of 1 to 3 feet, which could result in flooding. Meanwhile on St. Croix, a coastal flood watch has been issued.
