The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a high surf advisory for several northern Leeward Islands, warning of dangerous surf and rip currents through Saturday.

The advisory covers the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Antigua and Montserrat, with varying start times from Thursday morning through Thursday night.

For Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis, hazardous conditions are expected from Thursday midday until Saturday midday. In Barbuda and Anguilla, the advisory runs from Thursday morning to Saturday midday, while the British Virgin Islands and Montserrat are forecast to experience rough conditions into the pre-dawn hours Saturday.

Forecaster Letitia Humphreys said moderate long-period swells are generating dangerous surf, particularly along northern-facing coastlines.

Surf heights of 2 to 3 metres (6 to 10 feet) are expected, with seas ranging from 1.5 to 2.4 metres (5 to 8 feet) and occasionally reaching near 3.1 metres (10 feet). Swell periods are forecast between 11 and 14 seconds.

The service warned that strong rip currents are likely and that localized coastal flooding and beach erosion are possible.

“These conditions pose a moderate threat to life, property and infrastructure,” the advisory stated, noting that even strong swimmers could be pulled offshore by rip currents.

Residents and visitors are being urged to avoid exposed northern beaches and reefs and to use sheltered southern beaches where conditions are calmer. The service also advised beachgoers to follow lifeguard instructions and exercise extreme caution along rocky coastlines.

If caught in a rip current, swimmers are advised to remain calm and float, avoid swimming against the current, attempt to swim parallel to shore if able, and signal for help if needed.

Authorities said updates will be provided through the Meteorological Service, ABS Radio and Television, and official government social media platforms.