Meteorologist Brian Seeley from the National Weather Service in San Juan said on Monday night that the waves should start increasing, with the peak occurring mid-to-late Tuesday morning.
Warnings Monday forecast big waves for the territory, with St. Thomas and St. John put on Coastal Flood Watch through Tuesday.
“It’s typical this time of the year,” Seeley said, adding that the big waves will affect most strongly the northern coasts.
“On the northern Virgin Islands you could see 10 to 16 feet, but on St. Croix, it will be more like eight to 12 feet,” he said.
Seeley said that Tortola’s Cane Garden Bay should expect waves of up to 20 feet.
According to the meteorologist, a buoy 180 miles north of the northern Virgin Islands recorded 13-foot seas early Monday evening.
Since much of the territory is on a coastal flood watch, Seeley said residents in susceptible areas are should remain alert.
He also warned of dangerous rip currents.
A small craft advisory remains in effect until Wednesday night. This means that small boats should watch out for big waves.
