High Surf Advisory 01/12/2025 07:47 for Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands areas

Headline: 
High Surf Advisory issued January 12 at 11:47AM AST until January 12 at 6:00PM AST by NWS San Juan PR
Event: 
High Surf Advisory
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
January 12, 2025 - 7:47am
Expires: 
January 12, 2025 - 4:00pm
Description: 
* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves around 12-13 feet and occasionally higher. For the High Risk of Rip Currents, life-threatening rip currents. * WHERE...Beaches of Rincon and Aguada. The most vulnerable areas for high surf and localized beach erosion include Barrio Espinal in Aguada, and beaches of Culebra. In the US Virgin Islands, the northern exposed beaches of St. Thomas and St. John. * WHEN...For the High Surf Advisory, through 6 PM AST this evening. For the High Risk of Rip Currents, through late tonight. * IMPACTS...Rip currents that can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water where it becomes difficult to return to safety. High waves that can wash over jetties and sweep people and pets onto jagged rocks. Rough surf may also knock you down. Large breaking waves will result in localized beach/dune structure erosion and dangerous swimming conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Northerly swell continue to spread across the local waters today. Expect life-threatening rip currents and dangerous swimming conditions.
Instruction: 
A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing localized beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions. 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 in the vicinity of structures such as groins, jetties and piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards, beach patrol flags and signs. If you become caught in a rip current, yell for help. Remain calm, do not exhaust yourself and stay afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as you will tire quickly.
Area Description: 
Mayaguez and Vicinity; Culebra; St.Thomas...St. John.. and Adjacent Islands
Forcast Office: 
NWS San Juan PR