Erin's Swell Arrives with a High Tide Coefficient

Exercise Caution on Monday for Coastal Communities in the West and North of the Island

The Hurricane Erin, which reached Category 5—the highest level on the scale—while traversing Caribbean waters, continues its trek across the Atlantic and is approaching the British Isles as an extratropical cyclone, where it could impact on Wednesday, 27 August.

Before that, its influence will be felt on the islands in the form of swell, bringing a strong background sea with periods close to 23 seconds and wave heights of 2.6 metres. In the overall calculation this could generate waves of more than 4 metres, especially on the western coast and, to a lesser extent, on the northern coast of the island—unusual for this time of year.

The swell is expected to reach the islands on Monday, 25 August. In addition, the new‑moon phase on the 24th will produce a very high tide coefficient of 88. High tide will occur at 15:45, representing the most critical moment. The early‑morning tide at 04:00 on Tuesday is also a time to watch for the next high tide.