Strong Marine Agitation Triggers Warnings and Precautions
Six maritime bars are closed to navigation this Tuesday due to strong marine agitation, leading the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) to issue a yellow warning for 10 districts in mainland Portugal.
According to information available on the Portuguese Navy's website, the maritime bars of Caminha, Douro, Esposende, Vila Praia de Âncora, Vila do Conde, and Portinho da Ericeira are closed, while those of Aveiro and Figueira da Foz are restricted.
Due to the marine agitation, the districts of Porto, Faro, Setúbal, Viana do Castelo, Lisbon, Leiria, Beja, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Braga are under a yellow warning from 06:00 this Tuesday until 06:00 on Wednesday. The yellow warning, the least severe, is issued when there is a risk situation for certain activities dependent on meteorological conditions.
In a statement on Monday, IPMA explained that waves with a significant height of up to four meters are forecast for the western coast on Tuesday, potentially reaching a maximum height of seven meters. This situation is uncommon for August and results from the positioning of the post-tropical cyclone ERIN.
"The very high values of the peak period, expected between 15 to 20 seconds, will translate into very energetic waves with a high water volume, significantly increasing the risk of strong rip currents near the coast," indicated IPMA.
According to the Institute, during the high tide period in the afternoon, combined with a predictably high tidal amplitude, several beaches may be left without available sand.
"Due to the swell having a northwest direction, the southern coast of the Algarve will not be as exposed to this situation, with southwest waves of up to one meter forecast," according to IPMA.
The swell will remain strong along the western coast throughout the week, with significant heights between two to three meters.
"This situation, while not unprecedented, is infrequent in July and August, so it is recommended to monitor warnings and follow the recommendations suggested by the competent authorities," the Institute further stated.
Following the worsening marine conditions, the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) and the National Maritime Authority (AMN) alerted the population, advising preventive measures.
AMN appealed to bathers to be careful when going to the beach, to frequent permanently monitored beaches, respect the signaling of flags and beaches, and the indications of lifeguards and other surveillance elements, constantly supervise children, and avoid staying under cliffs.
AMN advised the entire maritime community to reinforce moorings and maintain tight surveillance of docked and anchored vessels.
To the general population, it recommended avoiding walks near the sea or in areas exposed to marine agitation, such as port protection jetties, cliffs, or beaches, to avoid being surprised by a wave.
The maritime authority also indicated that recreational fishing should not be practiced under these conditions, especially near cliffs and areas frequently hit by wave breakers, "always keeping in mind that under these conditions, the sea can easily reach apparently safe zones."
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