Warnings Issued for Coastal and Marine Hazards Affecting Puerto Rico and Northern USVI

The National Weather Service has sounded the alarm on impending coastal and marine hazards targeting the offshore and coastal zones of northwestern Puerto Rico, the Mona and Anegada Passages, and reaching up to the northern territories of the US Virgin Islands.

With advisories effective through Tuesday morning, authorities warn of perilous seas for small crafts and caution against treacherous swimming conditions due to towering surf in these locales.

Commencing on April 1, Monday, maritime forecasts predict sea levels ranging between 6-8 feet with surf breaking at formidable heights of 7-11 feet. Although the sea’s fury is expected to diminish as the week unfolds, the initial onslaught poses significant dangers to smaller vessels. Mariners navigating the waters of Puerto Rico and the USVI are urged to proceed with caution, particularly during the afternoon when marine conditions are forecasted to peak in severity.

Wind predictions for the week ahead suggest velocities of 15 to 20 knots, with gusts surging to 25 knots on Monday. While a gradual reduction in wind strength is anticipated, the persistence of notable gusts will continue to stir the seas, justifying the advisories issued for these areas.

A critical point of concern is the elevated risk of life-threatening rip currents along Puerto Rico’s northern shore, stretching from Rincon to Ceiba, and extending through Culebra to the northern USVI. This peril is slated to persist into the midweek, with rip currents capable of dragging even the most adept swimmers out to sea, complicating efforts to return safely to shore. Although the threat level is expected to moderate by Thursday, April 4, conditions conducive to potentially fatal rip currents remain a possibility.

The genesis of these treacherous conditions can be traced back to northerly swells coupled with moderate to brisk trade winds. Despite the anticipated waning of the current northerly swell, the arrival of another long-period swell from the north by midweek could prolong the hazardous circumstances. The resultant effects include perilous seas for small crafts, along with dangerous conditions for surfing and swimming, not to mention the potential for localized coastal flooding and beach erosion affecting both Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Authorities are imploring residents and visitors in the impacted regions of both Puerto Rico and the USVI to heed advisories and exercise utmost caution near water bodies.