No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeBig wavesPowerful waves to hit Costa Rica’s Caribbean and Pacific beaches over the...

Powerful waves to hit Costa Rica’s Caribbean and Pacific beaches over the weekend

Experts from the University of Costa Rica’s Ocean Science and Limnology Research Center (CIMAR) are warning residents and beachgoers that powerful waves will hit Costa Rican shores on both coasts beginning Friday.

CIMAR’s Ocean Information Director Omar Lizano said strong currents will reach South Pacific beaches on Thursday prompted by a storm that has intensified in Antarctica.

The system will affect most of Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches starting in the early hours on Friday with strong beach breaks and waves every 23 seconds on average.

Beaches most likely to be affected include Hermosa, Esterillos, Palo Seco and Dominical with waves ranging from 3-4 meters (10-13 feet), although Lizano said waves at Pavones beach could reach 5 meters (16 feet).

The large waves will cause strong rip currents, and experts warn beachgoers to take precautionary measures. The warning also applies to small boats in estuaries and river mouths.

Beachfront property owners are also alerted that some flooding might occur along coastal communities due to the rough ocean conditions.

Caribbean beaches will also experience strong waves. Residents and visitors in the province of Limón will likely experience waves up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) on average over the weekend prompted by a low-pressure system that will cause choppy sea conditions. CIMAR forecasts indicate that waves could reach maximum heights of up to 2.7 meters (almost 10 feet).

Wind conditions will not be very strong, but Lizano advises people in Limón to be aware of possible rip currents along most of the coastline.

Sailing in the Caribbean also could be affected. Although the forecasts predict moderate winds up to 11 knots, CIMAR experts warn small boat owners to take precautionary measures, mainly Friday and Sunday, when the tallest waves are expected to hit Limón beaches.

Normal conditions in Limón are expected to return on Monday.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Women’s National Team Coach Steps Down Amid World Cup Push

The Costa Rican Soccer Federation dropped a major update this week: Spanish coach Beni Rubido is stepping down from his role with the women's...

Riu Guanacaste Hotel Reopens in Costa Rica After Renovation

The Riu Guanacaste hotel in Costa Rica has reopened after a complete renovation, welcoming guests back to its beachfront spot on Matapalo Beach. The...

Back North from Costa Rica: An Expat’s Culture Shock

I am presently away from Costa Rica. I am in a foreign country. I was born here, but it is now a different place...

Costa Rica Proposes Date for Chaves Immunity Review

Costa Rica's lawmakers took a step forward today in addressing the latest push to strip President Rodrigo Chaves of his legal protections. The Legislative...

Costa Rica’s Hyatt Centric Escazú Finalist in GRI Awards

Costa Rica's hotel scene keeps building momentum on the global stage. The Hyatt Centric San José Escazú stands out as a finalist for Best...

Costa Rica Approves Extradition of Ex-Minister Gamboa and Associates

A Costa Rican court has approved the extradition of former Security Minister Celso Gamboa Sánchez to the United States on charges of international cocaine...
L. Arias
L. Arias
Reporter | The Tico Times |
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica