A high-surf advisory & small-craft warning is in effect for Dominica from 12 noon today as Jose draws near

The Dominica Met Service is monitoring the progress of Hurricane Jose which was centered near latitude 16.0 °N, longitude 55.3°W or about 535 miles east south east of the Northern Leeward Islands, at 5am. It is moving towards the west northwest at 16mph with maximum sustained winds of 125mph. This makes Jose a Category three system on the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale and further strengthening is anticipated.
 
The center of Jose is expected to be in the vicinity of the Leeward Islands by late tonight into tomorrow. Although it is not forecast to impact Dominica directly, it will generate above normal swells up to 4metres (14 feet) mainly along eastern, western and northern coastlines of Dominica starting this afternoon. This activity is expected to persist into Saturday and may become even more adverse at times of high tide.
 
As a consequence, a High-Surf Advisory and Small-Craft Warning will be in effect for Dominica from 12 noon today Friday 8th September 2017. Large waves and dangerous rip-currents can be expected mainly along eastern and northern coastlines of Dominica; this will result in unsafe conditions for small-craft operators. Sea-bathers and other users of the sea are advised to stay out of the water. 
 
A small-craft Warning means in this case that seas equal to or greater than 10 feet will be affecting the marine area. A High-Surf Advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses a threat to life and property within the surf zone. All users of the sea are advised to take all necessary precautions to protect life and property by Friday, as seas are expected to increase, with waves peaking between 10 to 12 feet.