High Surf — Tutuila, American Samoa

2019-12-24 · Tutuila, American Samoa

Event narrative

Surfs of 10 to 14 feet were recorded by the PacIOOS aunu'u buoy during the time of this incident. The fisherman who sadly lost his life went out fishing during low tide in the village of Vailoa, which was the normal routine for him. Recent drownings reported were during low tide in combination with high surf conditions.

Wider weather episode

Wind generated waves associated with an active trough and thunderstorms in the vicinity, have caused seas to reach 10 to 14 feet throughout this period. Two fatalities in the north west and north east shores were reported within a few days apart; both were veteran fishermen.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 863635. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.