Saipan Tribune

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Monday, February 04, 2013

High surf, small craft advisories out

The Emergency Management Office issued a high surf advisory yesterday that will be in effect until 10am Monday, Feb. 4, 2013.

The advisory states that moderate to fresh trade winds are expected the next few days. Combined seas of 10 to 12 feet will slowly subside to near 9 feet on Tuesday.

“Along north facing reefs, expect hazardous surf of 8 to 10 feet overnight. Surf should fall below hazardous levels of 6 to 8 feet by Monday afternoon,” the advisory states.

A small craft advisory is also in effect until 6am Tuesday. Seas 10 feet or higher and sustained winds of 22 knots or more are expected to produce conditions hazardous to operators of small craft.

“Combined seas near 10 to 12 feet are expected through Monday night. Seas will fall to near 9 feet on Tuesday. Sustained winds of 20 knots.are expected to diminish to 15 to 20 knots by Monday night,” the advisory states.

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid boating in these conditions. If travel by boat is necessary, exercise cautionm especially near reef lines and when entering or leaving harbors and inlets.

The public is urged to avoid venturing near exposed reefs and beaches, especially those along north facing reefs, as rip currents are life threatening. (EMO)