Above normal levels of spring tide expected this week, MoPI warns

Residents of low lying coastal areas, those residing along the banks of rivers, and mariners, are being warned of high tides expected this week, which threaten to overtop the sea defence.

In a public advisory from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Sea and River Defence Department, residents have been advised to take all necessary precaution during the spring tides period which began on March 18 and goes up to March 24.

It was noted that the highest tides are expected to reach 3.30 metres on Thursday, March 21, at 4:21 am and 4:26 pm, then 3.32 metres on Friday, March 22, at 5:01 pm.

The areas identified as being the most susceptible to flooding as a result of the storm surges, which the release said may cause overtopping of the sea/river defence structures, are: the Pomeroon river banks; San Souci to Sarah and Maria’s Pleasure to Meerzorg, Wakenaam Island; Cane Field/Amsterdam, Endeavour/Blenheim, Cane Garden, Leguan Island; Windsor Forest to De Willem, West Coast Demerara; Parika Market Area and Salem to Sparta, E.B.E; Water Street, Georgetown; Chapman Grove/Greenfield, E.C.D; Helena # 1 & 2, Mahaica; and Prospect, Mahaicony.

“In addition to the captioned locations, all persons residing along the banks of rivers and low-lying coastal areas are advised to take all the necessary precautions against possible flooding. Precaution should also be taken by all mariners including those operating fishing vessels and larger vessels. The use of beaches and foreshore areas for recreational purposes during this period is not advised,” the advisory stated.