Heavy swell forecast by Météo France

The Météo France bulletin published this Friday at 4:57 pm places Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin under the orange vigilance level for "wave-submergence" due to a forecast episode of strong north to north-westerly swell, starting next night. It should be noted that Saint-Barthélemy has only been placed on yellow alert.

Météo France reports the "presence of a north to north-westerly swell around our islands, intensifying markedly overnight from Friday to Saturday". The bulletin states: "With its north-westerly component, the swell will enter the Anguilla channel with waves of 1m20 to 1m80 for periods of 12 to 13 seconds, particularly impacting the coastline from Terres-Basses to Grand-Case. Boat moorings are likely to be derailed, and there is a risk of localized flooding due to the sea invading certain beaches, roads and even adjoining homes. The eastern coast of Saint-Martin will be affected to a lesser extent by the effects of this swell. Saint-Barthélemy will be affected by a northerly swell with an amplitude of 2.5 to 3 meters for periods of 11 to 12 seconds, causing breakers on the exposed coasts and significant agitation in the Gustavia roadstead".

The high tide in the second half of the night is likely to accentuate this phenomenon, which is expected to peak late Saturday night and morning. "The swell will begin a very gradual reduction, the effects of which should only be perceptible from Sunday morning onwards", emphasizes Météo France.