Barbados continues to face significant marine hazards as meteorological authorities maintain active advisories for rough sea conditions impacting the island’s coastal regions. The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) reported on Monday that powerful Atlantic high-pressure systems are producing sustained winds of 20-30 knots, creating dangerously agitated seas despite minor reductions in swell dimensions.
Current marine measurements indicate open-water swells averaging 2.5-3.0 meters, with projections suggesting potential escalation to 3.5 meters between Tuesday night and Wednesday. These conditions present substantial risks for small craft operators, particularly those navigating smaller vessels, while beachgoers face equally dangerous surf conditions along shorelines.
Coastal vulnerability assessments indicate probable beach erosion, especially affecting northern, eastern, and southern coastlines. Multiple beaches are anticipated to experience temporary submersion during high tide cycles. Official warnings emphasize that these conditions could potentially result in injuries or fatalities without proper precautionary measures.
While gradual improvement is forecasted toward the weekend, meteorological experts caution that the current advisory might escalate to a formal warning if midweek swell intensification occurs. Marine stakeholders are urged to continuously monitor updates from the Barbados Meteorological Services, Department of Emergency Management, National Conservation Commission, and other relevant authorities.
The advisory remains subject to revision, with an official update scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, or sooner if marine conditions undergo significant alteration.