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Biggest Swell of the Winter for Europe?
Seas of 60 feet just recorded within North Atlantic storm; Mega swell en route to Europe.
- Published:February 26, 2017
- Views:2,754
A hurricane force low pressure system in the North Atlantic is moving E/SE from Greenland today and has a substantial fetch of 50-80kt winds aimed at Western Europe. As a result, we're expecting a significant swell event to impact Europe early to mid this week. However, many (but not all) places will have to deal with unfavorable local winds at times.
Latest Highlights/Real Time Data of Note: Early Sunday morning we received a satellite observation of 60 feet that was located just west of where the highest seas are expected. This means there is potential that the seas are even higher near the core.
The impressive satellite recorded wave observation is above model expectations, and it should be noted that we typically only see 60-foot-plus seas recorded in “surf worthy” storms a handful of times a year. Additional real time updates will be provided in the ongoing feed on our iPhone app.
Select Regional Forecast Details:
Note: All sizes listed below refer to peak offshore swell heights. Please follow the embedded links for detailed surf heights and other information in your location of interest.
Ireland/UK:
Peak Days/Swell Size: Monday and into Tuesday for Ireland with swell 30ft+ at 16s from W. Monday night and Tuesday for the UK with 15ft+ W swell impacting offshore waters.
Concerns: Very strong W to NW winds will be hard to hide from during peak of swell.
Things to Monitor: 19 HD Cams and human reports by North Devon local and icon, Trev Lumley and Gavin Walsh in Cornwall. Expert meteorologist generated surf forecasts to see when conditions will improve.
France:
Peak Days/Swell Size: 20-30ft W swell at 14-16s on Tuesday, fading to 10-15ft at 15s on Wednesday.
Concerns: Strong onshore winds, too much size.
Things to Monitor: Proprietary high res wind model, Expert meteorologist generated forecast, HD Hossegor Cams.
Spain:
Peak Days/Swell Size: 25-30ft WNW swell at 14-16s on Tuesday, fading to 15-18ft on Wednesday.
Concerns: Strong WNW winds on Tuesday, but potentially improving on Wednesday.
Things to Monitor: Proprietary high res wind model, Expert meteorologist generated surf forecast, HD cams at Mundaka and Zarautz.
Portugal:
Peak Days/Swell Size: 23-25ft at 16-18s NW swell on Tuesday, fading to 14-18ft at 15s on Wednesday.
Concerns: Moderate W to NW winds on Tuesday will be an issue except at sheltered spots, but likely improving winds on Wednesday.
Things to Monitor: Bilingual, expert meteorologist generated forecast by Portugal local Bruno Lampreia, proprietary high res wind model, 23 HD Cams including our new and legacy Nazare cams.
Canary Islands:
Peak Days/Swell Size: 8-10ft NNW swell at 16-18s Tuesday night and Wednesday, fading to 5-7ft on Thursday.
Concerns: Spots exposed to moderate/strong NE/ENE winds will be trashed. Protected spots potentially very good.
Things to Monitor: Expert meteorologist generated forecast for Gran Canaria.
Morocco:
Peak Days/Swell Size: 15-20ft NW/NNW swell at 16-18s late Tuesday and Wed, fading to 8-12ft at 13-15s on Thursday.
Concerns: NE winds will be an issue for some, but potential for very good/epic surf at protected spots. Swell will be too big for some spots.
Things to Monitor: NEW cams at Anchor Point and Killers, proprietary LOLA spot forecasts.
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Dennis McClure 02/27/2017 12:12 AM * PREMIUM MEMBER - Real Name
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