High surf, strong winds lash islands

Strong winds were whipping across parts of Oahu and Kauai today, causing property damage and closing Pali Golf Course.

Meanwhile, surf was building along north- and west-facing shores and was expected to reach warning-level heights tonight.

A wind advisory was in effect for the windward sides of Kauai and Oahu until 6 a.m. Tuesday, the Weather Service said.

Southwest winds were forecast to be 25 to 30 mph today with higher gusts, the advisory said. An advisory means sustained winds of at least 30 mph or gusts of at least 50 mph are expected. Motorists should use extra caution, the Weather Service said.

In Lihue, winds were 29 mph and gusts were 38 mph at 3 p.m., according to the Weather Service. At the same time, winds were 15 mph at Honolulu Airport.

The wind closed Pali Golf Course today and left the course without power, and Honolulu firefighters responded to 26 wind-related emergencies from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., mostly from Waimanalo to Kaneohe.

Honolulu Capt. David Jenkins said the emergencies included 16 blown roofs, five downed trees, and five electrical hazards.

Meanwhile, a high surf warning was in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday for north- and west-facing shores of the islands from Niihau to Molokai, along with north-facing shores of Maui.

The northwest swell will build across the state tonight and peak on Tuesday, bringing dangerously high surf to most north- and west-facing shores of the smaller islands, the Weather Service said.

Surf was forecast to be 20 to 30 feet for north-facing shores and 15 to 20 feet for west-facing shores.

Ocean water will occasionally sweep across portions of beaches, and beachgoers can expect strong breaking waves and rip currents, the Weather Service said.

Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death, and boaters should be aware of more surfers or body boarders in the water, the Weather Service said.