High Surf Advisory

Urgent – Marine Weather Message
High Surf Advisory
Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service
11:30 am Tuesday 10th February, 2026

…High surf advisory for Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis and Montserrat…

Locations to be affected: Reefs and exposed northern-facing coastlines with relatively shallow, gently to moderately
sloping, nearshore areas.

Timing: Until Thursday night for Montserrat
Until midnight at the end of Thursday for Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis

Synopsis: Moderate long-period swells are reaching the area and causing hazardous conditions along mainly northern-
facing coastlines. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of those using the affected

coastlines is moderate with the potential for significant impacts. These swells could cause life-threatening surfs and rip
currents on affected coastlines. A high surf advisory means that dangerous surfs of 2 to 3 metres or 6 to 10 feet will
affect some coastlines in the advisory area, producing hazardous conditions.

Seas (significant wave heights): 1.8 to 2.7 metres (6 to 9 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 3.4 metres (11
feet). Swell period: 10 to 13 seconds. Swells: North at 1.5 to 2.1 metres (5 to 7 feet) and occasionally higher.
Surfs(breaking swells): Over 1.8 metres (over 6 feet). These conditions are conducive to dangerous rip currents. Please
note that surfs could be as much as twice the height of swells, depending on the bathymetry of the nearshore areas.
Coastal flooding: High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions could result in localised coastal flooding
and beach erosion.

Bs: Loss of life–strong currents that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea; injuries to
beachgoers; beach erosion; sea water splashing onto low-lying coastal roads; beach closures; localised disruptions to
marine recreation and businesses; financial losses; damage to coral reefs; saltwater intrusion and disruptions to
potable water from desalination. High surfs can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties.

Precautionary: Beachgoers, especially to the mainly affected coastlines, should be extremely cautious; bathe only
where lifeguards are present or on the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the south and east. Extreme caution
is also required by those using the affected non-beach or rocky coastlines.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or
breaks in the sandbar and near structures such as groins, jetties and piers. 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.

Please continue to monitor these hazardous, life-threatening marine conditions. Stay tuned to updates from the
Meteorological Office via antiguamet.com, and Twitter, Facebook and YouTube @abmetservice. Also, stay tuned to
ABS Radio and TV and other media platforms for updates.

Forecaster: Letitia Humphreys