A small craft warning and high surf advisory are in effect for Barbados for above normal swell heights from Christmas Day until Wednesday.
The earlier issued small craft advisory has been upgraded to a small craft warning.
A small craft warning in this case, is issued when sea swells greater than three metres (greater than 10 feet) are affecting or forecast to affect the marine area within the next 36 hours.
A high-surf warning is issued when breaking wave action results or is forecast to result in an especially heightened threat to life and property within the surf zone during the next 36 hours.
A low-pressure system in the northern Atlantic is currently generating above-normal sea swells. This, in conjunction with sustained 20 to 25 knots (25 to 45 km/h) surface winds produced by the Atlantic high-pressure system, will maintain rough swells in open water near Barbados, ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 meters (8 to 11 ft) this week.
The Barbados Meteorological Services urges small craft operators to exercise extreme caution. (PR/SAT)