Warning issued on strong currents, high waves

Gov. Juan N. Babauta issued a warning to fishermen, divers, marine tour operators, and beachgoers about high waves and currents starting yesterday until tomorrow.

In a special marine advisory, Babauta strongly advised the people to avoid venturing near exposed reefs and beaches especially those on the east, north, and northeast coast, until the surf subsides.

“Wind and waves conditions support strong rip currents. Rip currents are considered life threatening to anyone entering the water,” the governor said.

Citing information received from the National Weather Service, Tiyan Guam and compiled by the CNMI Emergency Management Office, the chief executive said north swells from a cold front located east of Japan, continue to combine with fresh trade winds.

These, he explained, are bringing in hazardous surf condition to the waters on Saipan, Tinian and Rota until Saturday.

“A surf height of 9 to 11 feets is expected along the north, northeast and east and will peak this afternoon (Thursday) and remain through Saturday,” the chief executive said.