High-surf warning in effect for smaller Hawaiian Islands
JAMM AQUINO / Dec. 4, 2018
Beachgoers are seen near the water’s edge as large waves crash near Rock Piles on Oahu’s North Shore on Dec. 4. Surf is expected to rise again to warning levels today for most Hawaiian islands
A high surf warning is in effect from Niihau to Maui through 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The National Weather Service said surf of 20 to 30 feet high along the north and west shores of Kauai County and the north shores of Oahu, Maui and Molokai is expected today. The west shores of Oahu and Molokai could see surf up to 15 to 20 feet.
Surf is expected to peak Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, coinciding with a spring high tide that will result in above-average coastal run-up, forecasters said.
Besides strong breaking waves and rip currents, ocean water can occasionally sweep across portions of beaches and make navigation of the harbor channel dangerous, officials said. Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death, they warn.
A high surf advisory, meanwhile, is in effect for the north shores of Hawaii island through 6 p.m. Wednesday. Forecasters expect surf up to 12 to 18 feet along exposed shores.
