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WWPQ81 PGUM 120616
SPSPQ1

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tiyan GU
416 PM ChST Wed Mar 12 2025

MHZ002-130730-
Majuro-
416 PM ChST Wed Mar 12 2025

...LARGE LONG-PERIOD NORTH SWELL TO MOVE THROUGH THE MARSHALL
ISLANDS NEXT FEW DAYS...
...RISK OF HIGH SURF AND MINOR COASTAL INUNDATION...ESPECIALLY FOR THE
NORTHERN MARSHALL ISLANDS AROUND TIMES OF HIGH TIDE...

A large north swell will quickly make its way into the area,
reaching the northern Marshall Islands by Thursday night. These waves
are being generated by a strong north Pacific cyclone currently
about 2000mi north-northeast of Wake Island. This system is
continuing east-northeast into the central north Pacific packing
winds near hurricane/typhoon force on the western side of the system.
Wave model guidance shows 7-11 foot north swell with periods of
14-17 sec around the peak of this event Friday - also well timed with
the full moon phase and its higher high tides. All this supports the
development of hazardous surf and marine conditions for small craft.
Additionally for islands and atolls well exposed to the north, there
will be the increased threat for significant erosion and some minor
inundation. Today`s PacIOOS wave run-up guidance for Majuro still
shows the potential for minor inundation around high tides. While
more southern atolls could see some shadowing from atolls farther
north, the northernmost atolls will see the largest and unimpeded
swells. The greatest risk for coastal inundation will be along north
facing shores exposed to the open ocean, but also within the lagoons
as water can pile into lagoons if open to the ocean on their north
and closed along the southern edge with few reef passes to allow
water to flow through.

Residents should monitor local sea conditions and forecasts and be
alert for minor flooding and debris on roads and property near shore
lines, along with hazardous surf, swimming, and boating conditions.
Stay up to date with information from your Weather Service Office in
Majuro, and any information shared from local emergency management
offices. The latest Majuro forecasts can be found at
weather.gov/gum/PublicForecasts.

$$

Schank