Met Service: ‘Rough, agitated seas’ likely over next few days

A Yellow Level Hazardous Seas Alert will be activated from 8 pm on Monday (February 10) and remain in effect until 6:00 pm on February 17, 2025, says an advisory issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service.

The Yellow Alert will cover northern and eastern exposed coastal areas of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Met Service is advising all marine interests to exercise extreme caution and urging beachgoers to heed the instructions of lifeguards and those in authority.

“The sea conditions along the northern and eastern exposed coastal areas, including offshore regions, are expecting to deteriorate to rough conditions, with wave heights maintaining in excess of 2.5 metres and reaching up to 3.0 metres,” the Met Service explains.  “This is due to relatively strong winds that are agitating the sea surface, leading to large waves and potentially dangerous sea conditions.”

According to the advisory, “agitated seas are likely to be particularly perilous” for offshore activities, including fishing and other small craft marine interests—hence the call to all marine interests to exercise extreme caution.

The Met Service notes that conditions at seawalls along exposed coastlines can be exacerbated at high tide because of the presence of spring tides.

“There is also an increased risk of strong rip currents, posing a serious hazard to swimmers and beachgoers,” the advisory warns. “Rip currents can be life-threatening even for experienced swimmers.”

The public is encouraged to monitor official weather and marine updates at www.metoffice.gov.tt/forecast