NOPQ40 PGUM 080915
PNSPQ
GUZ001>004-100915-

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Tiyan GU
709 PM ChST Fri Dec 8 2017

...NEW FORMAT FOR THE MARIANA ISLANDS SURF ZONE FORECAST...

Weather Forecast Office (WFO) Guam is going to modify the Mariana
Islands Surf Zone Forecast in order to better serve our customers.
The current Surf Zone Forecast only covers the day time period from
600 AM to 600 PM, despite abundant activity on the beaches and along
the shores during the evening hours. The new format will expand to a
24-hour period to also include the night time hours from 600 PM to
600 AM.

Local drowning statistics and observations indicate certain surf zone
locations of the Mariana Islands are more vulnerable to strong rip
currents. These locations are the East and adjoining North Facing
Reefs, even when surf heights are below hazardous levels. Under the
new format, when there are strong rip currents but no hazardous surf
expected at these locations, a Headline will be included in the Surf
Zone and Public Forecasts as appropriate, such as the following:

...HIGH RISK OF RIP CURRENTS ALONG EAST AND ADJOINING NORTH FACING
REEFS...

Additionally, the Rip Current Risk section within the Surf Zone 
Forecast will change to omit the mention of pounding or hazardous
surf, and to highlight certain beaches in the affected locations.

Questions and comments regarding to the above changes can be sent
to WFO Guam through the following emails:

Roger.Edson@noaa.gov 
Roger Edson, Science and Operations Officer

Patrick.Chan@noaa.gov
Marcus.Aydlett@noaa.gov
Patrick Chan and Landon (Marcus) Aydlett, Marine Focal Points

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