Cyclone to bring high waves to Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches this weekend

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) on Thursday issued a “Green Alert” (preventive) for the entire Pacific coast of Costa Rica, due to the arrival of high waves this weekend.

A report from the University of Costa Rica’s Ocean Sciences and Limnology Research Center said that a large extratropical cyclone in the South American Pacific caused a strong surge that is currently moving northward. The phenomenon could reach Costa Rican shores by Thursday and will likely pound beaches until Sunday.

Maximum wave duration is predicted at 20-22 seconds per wave, a very strong break on the beach and similar to a recent phenomenon that flooded several properties and roads in Puntarenas province. Waves of up to 6-7 feet are expected, especially on Friday and Saturday, the report added.

The CNE urged people to take precautions and warned tourists and small boat operators not to approach the mouths of rivers and beaches in the cantons of: Golfito, Osa, Aguirre, Parrita, Garabito, Esparza, Puntarenas, Nandayure, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Carrillo, Liberia and La Cruz.