Big waves, strong winds forecast for Pacific coast over the weekend
Two low-pressure systems originating in the Southern Hemisphere will cause powerful waves at most of Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches starting Friday.
A report from the University of Costa Rica’s Ocean Science and Limnology Research Center (CIMAR) states that the first system will bring waves of up to 6 feet every 18 seconds on Friday and Saturday.
The second system will create waves of up to 10 feet every 20 seconds on Sunday and Monday.
CIMAR’s Ocean Information Director Omar Lizano said that waves also will be affected by the influence of a full moon during high tide periods over the weekend.
“This will cause very strong breaks on the beaches, and some flooding on beachfront properties might occur,” Lizano added.
Large waves on Saturday and Sunday are expected to cause strong rip currents, and CIMAR warned beachgoers to take precautionary measures. The warning also applies to small boats in estuaries, river mouths and open beaches, mainly in Costa Rica’s northern and southern Pacific.
Sailing also could be affected, as winds up to 20 knots will blow over the northern Pacific, generating rough seas offshore for most of the weekend.
Waves caused by the second low-pressure system also will be breaking roughly at beaches in the northern Pacific and at Cocos Island. On Monday, waves up to 5.3 feet will continue at beaches in the central and southern Pacific regions.
Lizano warned coastal residents to be alert for strong wave breaks all weekend, especially from 8-11 a.m. and between 3-5 p.m.
You may be interested

Costa Rica has administered 25,000 vaccine shots, Caja says
The Tico Times - January 15, 2021Costa Rica’s public-health system has administered nearly 25,000 coronavirus vaccine shots, the Social Security System (Caja) reported. The figure —…

FAQ: The United States’ new Covid travel requirements
The Tico Times - January 15, 2021The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has announced that all international airline passengers flying to the United States must show proof…

UK bans South American, Panama arrivals over Brazil virus strain
AFP - January 15, 2021Britain will ban all arrivals from South America, Panama, Cape Verde and Portugal from 0400 GMT Friday over fears of…