BY DOUGALS VAHIA
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) issued strong wind warning 83, cautioning mariners and coastal residents across the country to prepare for hazardous conditions at sea.
The warning, issued at 4pm yesterday remains in effect for all waters of Solomon Islands.
Meteorologists say a trough lying north of the country, combined with a persistent southeasterly wind flow, is driving the rough conditions.
Southeasterly winds are expected to reach 15 to 25 knots across all waters, while seas will range from moderate to rough, with southeasterly swells of 2.3 to 3.5 metres. Showers and thunderstorms in some areas are likely to bring poor visibility.
Authorities urge people in affected areas to take precautionary measures, warning that the strong winds have the potential to endanger lives and damage property.
Sea travellers, in particular, have been advised to take safety precautions, as the conditions can generate dangerous waves hazardous to small boats.
The Meteorological Service also calls on the public to share the warning with people with disabilities, to ensure the information reaches all members of the community.
According to the bureau, a strong wind warning applies when winds of 20 to 25 knots — with gusts of up to 30 knots — are expected to create hazardous wave conditions for small crafts.
Officials note that the final decision on how dangerous conditions are for a particular vessel rest with the boat operator, based on their experience and the size and type of their boat.
The Meteorological Service also cautions that its wave forecasts represent an average, and that individual waves could reach heights up to twice the forecast figure.
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