The Meteorological Office has issued a High Surf Warning for Barbuda, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands as dangerous long-period swells move into the northeastern Caribbean, creating life-threatening marine conditions along exposed coastlines.
The warning takes effect Sunday night through Tuesday night for the British Virgin Islands, from midnight Sunday through Tuesday midnight for Anguilla, and from Monday morning until pre-dawn Wednesday for Barbuda.
According to the Meteorological Office, rising moderate long-period swells are generating very hazardous conditions, particularly along northern and northwestern-facing coastlines with shallow, gently to moderately sloping nearshore areas. Reefs and exposed coastal zones are expected to be significantly impacted.
Seas are forecast to range between 2.4 and 3.1 metres (8 to 11 feet), occasionally peaking near 4.0 metres (13 feet). Swell periods of 12 to 15 seconds are expected, with north-northwest swells reaching 2.4 to 3.4 metres (8 to 11 feet) and occasionally higher.
Breaking waves along affected coastlines are projected to exceed 3.1 metres (10 feet), with the potential to reach twice the height of offshore swells depending on coastal bathymetry.
Forecasters warn that these conditions are highly conducive to dangerous rip currents and battering surf, posing a high threat level to life, livelihoods, property and infrastructure in affected areas.