WEATHER ADVISORIES – January 3, 2023

Danger: Indo-Pacific man-o-war

The public is being warned about the presence of Indo-Pacific man-o-war jellyfish in all beaches and surf zones of the Marianas. A beach hazards statement is now in effect through Wednesday afternoon.

Contact with Indo-Pacific man-o- war, alive or dead, can cause extreme pain and may be fatal in some cases.

Man-o-war have been reported washed up on north facing beaches in Guam, including Tarague Beach. Men-o-war may still be found on beaches and the waters of the Marianas.

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions. (PR)

Rip currents until Wednesday

The public is being warned that there is a high risk of rip currents through Wednesday afternoon along east facing reefs of the Marianas.

Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Guam and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, dangerous rip currents are present on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

The public is advised to stay out of the water along east facing reefs. Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don’t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions. (PR)

Small craft advisory in effect

A small craft advisory remains in effect until 6pm Wednesday. This means conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Guam and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, northeast winds of 15 to 20 knots, with frequent gusts of up to 25 knots are present in Marianas coastal waters until 6pm Wednesday. Passing fragments of a shear line and intensifying pressure gradient with subtropical ridge will keep winds elevated and hazardous to small craft across all of the Marianas through at least Wednesday afternoon. Seas may occasionally reach hazardous criteria near stronger outflow boundaries.

A small craft advisory means that wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots are expected to produce wave conditions hazardous to small craft. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid boating in hazardous conditions. (PR)