Alert · Weather · U.S. Virgin Islands
Weather Alert: Rip Current Statement
Official details
What
For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 10 to 15. For the HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK, life-threatening rip current.
Where
For the HIGH SURF ADVISORY, the most vulnerable areas for high surf and beach erosion are the exposed north-facing beaches in Culebra and the northern US Virgin Islands. For the HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK, along the north- facing beaches.
When
For the High Rip Current Risk remains from tuesday morning through friday evening. For the High Surf Advisory from 6 PM tuesday to 6 PM AST wednesday
Impacts
FOR THE HIGH SURF ADVISORY, High waves that can wash over jetties and sweep people and pets onto jagged rocks. Rough surf may also knock you down. Large breaking waves will result in localized beach/dune structure erosion and dangerous swimming conditions. FOR THE HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK, rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water, where it becomes difficult to return to safety.
Safety instructions
There is a high risk of rip currents.
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 in the vicinity of structures such as groins, jetties and piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards, beach patrol flags and signs.
If you become caught in a rip current, yell for help. Remain calm, do not exhaust yourself and stay afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as you will tire quickly.
A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing localized beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions.