High surf warning issued for BVI

A high surf warning has been issued for the British Virgin Islands.

High and life-threatening waves are expected to affect the territory until Thursday night (March 29), the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has said.

The BVI will experience what the DDM described as long northerly swells and rip currents which could possibly cause flooding in low-lying coastal areas.

“These swells will present an especially heightened threat to life and property in the surf zone. High surf (sea-bather) warning is in effect especially for exposed and shallow coastal areas,” the DDM said.

High surfs usually climb from six to 10 feet but are occasionally higher. High surfs have breaking waves of eight to 13 feet.

“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,” the DDM said.