Saipan Tribune

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

High surf until Wednesday

The Emergency Management Office advised yesterday that its small craft and high surf advisories will remain in effect until 6pm Wednesday.

Fresh to strong trade winds will maintain conditions hazardous to small craft through at least Tuesday, it said.

“Northeast winds of 20 to 25 knots with frequent gusts to 30 knots and occasional gusts to 35 knots will continue Tuesday. Combined seas of 12 to 14 feet on Tuesday will begin to subside by Wednesday,” EMO said.

Large swell and wind waves from the east and north will cause hazardous surf for the next few days.

Along north facing reefs, expect hazardous surf of 7 to 10 feet today. Higher surf of up to 12 feet is possible at some locations.

Along east facing reefs, hazardous surf of 12 to 14 feet is expected today. Surf should begin to subside by tonight and fall below hazardous levels by Wednesday night.

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

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