Hurricane Teddy to bring hazardous seas

THE STRENGTHENING of Hurricane Teddy in the Central Atlantic is forecast to bring with it long-period swells in the region, affecting the Lesser Antilles, including TT, and north of the South American coasts throughout Thursday.

The Meteorological Service issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon, noting that from early Thursday morning, particularly on the northern Tobago coastline, waves can reach up to 2.5 metres, with periods of up to 12.5 seconds in open waters. It is expected to peak at around 2 pm.

It says swells of this nature can produce rip currents in nearshore areas of eastern and northern coasts of TT. This event, it said, is forecast until nightfall on Thursday. Also, strong low-level winds produced from overnight thunderstorms from Friday into Saturday could lead to hazardous seas in the Gulf of Paria.

There are no alerts or watches in effect from the Met Service as of 4 pm.