Weather Alert – U.S. Embassy Majuro (February 14, 2018)
Location: Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Event: The U.S. National Weather Service in Guam has issued a high surf warning in effect now for north-facing reefs and a high surf advisory now in effect for east-facing reefs. Major inundation is possible inside the lagoon this evening through Tuesday night.
The long-period north swell continues to build and is capable of generating dangerous surf of 12 to 16 feet along north-facing reefs. The combination of high seas and surf and higher tides due to the new moon cycle could cause inundation of up to 3 feet along low-lying north facing oceanside areas during high tides this afternoon through Thursday night. Inundation up to 2 feet is possible inside the lagoon, especially on north-facing shores and west-facing shores in the Rita District. This includes but is not limited to Ajeltake, Rairok, Long Beach, Delap, Uliga, and Djarrit (Rita). Surf will slowly subsite Thursday and should fall below dangerous/warning levels Thursday afternoon. Surf will remain hazardous around 10-13 feet through Saturday. A high surf warning means that dangerous, battering waves will pound the reefs, producing deadly rip currents.
Hazardous surf of 10 to 14 feet will persist along east-facing shores through Thursday. Surf will begin to diminish Thursday afternoon, but could remain hazardous along east-facing reefs through Saturday.
The U.S. National Weather Service, the RMI National Disaster Management Office, and the U.S. Embassy in Majuro will continue to monitor the situation and will send updates as needed.
Actions to Take:
- Stay clear of life-threatening surf near reef lines and exposed beaches, especially along north and east facing shores. Breaking waves can knock you down, causing serious injuries and rip currents will be life threatening.
- Take action to protect crops and properties from salt water throughout the weekend.
- Please be cautious and stay away from flooded roads and shorelines.
- Keep a safe distance and do not touch downed lines or anything touching the line, such as a tree branch or another person. Don’t climb utility poles or trees near power lines. Contact with power lines is a major cause of electricity-related injuries and deaths.
- Do not touch anything electrical while you stand in water or while your hands are wet.
- If high water is approaching your residence, turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker box. If you don’t know where your main circuit box is, find it now.
- Unplug appliances and, if possible, move them to a safe area. You may be able to raise some appliances, such as washing machines, onto concrete blocks. Move smaller appliances and home entertainment equipment to a higher area.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Majuro
+692 455 1624
https://mh.usembassy.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Marshall Islands Country Information
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
Follow us on Facebook.
