Coastal flood watch in effect for SVG

The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) and the Meteorological Office are closely monitoring weather forecasts which indicate that significant wave height is expected over the Eastern Caribbean from yesterday Wednesday, March 19 through to today, Thursday, March 20, 2008. A deep low pressure system centered over the North Atlantic is forecasted to generate large northerly swells over the area.{{more}}

This system can generate large sea swells in the region of 4 to 5m (12 to 16ft) or more in the coastal waters around St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect until Friday.

A Coastal Flood Watch means that conditions are possible for flooding, causing inundation of coastal roads, low-lying areas and beach erosion.

The National Emergency Management Organisation is urging all resident and visitors to exercise extreme caution while venturing out to sea, as strong currents and waves will be present. Mariners should exercise extreme caution in securing and operating vessels as these waves can be larger than usual and may create extreme dangerous and hazardous conditions.

All residents in low-lying coastal areas are asked to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. Residents in Colonarie, Sandy Bay, Gorse, Georgetown, the Grenadines and those areas that would have experienced significant wave action and storm surge in the past are asked to take the necessary precautions to protect life and property.

The local Meteorological Office and NEMO will continue to monitor the situation and advisories will be issued accordingly.