The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued a high surf warning for Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands, set to take effect Tuesday morning and remain in place through Thursday. According to Antigua News Room, the warning was issued at 1:40 pm on Monday, March 30, 2026.
Moderate long-period swells are expected to reach the region, generating very hazardous conditions primarily along northern and north-facing coastlines. Authorities warn that the threat to life, livelihood, property, and infrastructure will be high, with the potential for extensive impacts.
The warning covers reefs and exposed northern and north-facing coastlines with relatively shallow, gentle to moderately sloping nearshore areas. Significant wave heights are forecast between 2.1 and 3.0 metres (7 to 10 feet), occasionally reaching near 4.0 metres (13 feet). Northerly swells of 2.1 to 3.0 metres are expected, with a swell period of 10 to 13 seconds. Breaking surfs are anticipated to exceed 3 metres (10 feet) in affected areas, and may reach as much as twice the height of swells depending on the depth and slope of nearshore areas.
A high surf warning signifies that dangerous battering surfs of over 3 metres will affect some coastlines, producing extremely hazardous conditions. Life-threatening surf and rip currents are expected along the affected coastlines. High tides, combined with onshore wind and swell action, will also result in coastal flooding and beach erosion.
Authorities have outlined a wide range of potential impacts. These include the risk of loss of life from strong currents capable of carrying even experienced swimmers out to sea, injuries to beachgoers, beach closures, damage to coral reefs, and seawater splashing onto low-lying coastal roads. Marine recreation and businesses may face significant disruptions, and financial losses are anticipated. High surf could knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties, and breaking waves may periodically impact harbour channels, making navigation dangerous. Salt-water intrusion poses an additional risk of disrupting potable water supplies from desalination facilities.
Meteorological Services are urging the public to take immediate precautions. No one should enter the waters of the main warning areas. Residents and visitors are also advised to stay away from rocky coastal structures and shorelines along affected coastlines.
Authorities are also reminding the public about rip current safety. Rip currents are powerful channels of water that flow rapidly away from shore, most commonly forming at low spots or breaks in sandbars and near structures such as groins, jetties, and piers. Anyone caught in a rip current is advised to relax and float, avoid swimming against the current, and — if possible — swim parallel to the shoreline. Those unable to escape should face the shore and call or wave for assistance.
