STRONG WINDS  causing waves up to nine feet are forecast for  both Panama coast lines for the February 20-21 weekend.

The National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc)  issued a warning notice on Friday, Feb.19

notice prevention for 48 hours by strong winds, rain and waves that can reach up to 9 feet across the slope of the Caribbean Sea and the Panamanian Pacific.

In  a  press release SINAPROC reported that the winds are due to a cold front passing through the Atlantic. are forecast.

SINAPROC director  José Donderis recommended bathers, boat crews and residents of vulnerable areas, put  security measures in place due to the danger created by the waves.

Rainfall is predicted  in the Caribbean sector of Bocas del Toro and the  Ngäbe Bugle, Guna Yala,regions,  Cocle, Colon and Veraguas. Other areas affected by the rains are communities on the Pacific West coas of  Panama, Panama Central and East.

In the provinces of Panama, Herrera, Los Santos, Chiriqui, Cocle and Veraguas wind gusts greater than 50 mph are expected.