Northwest swell expected to peak today, high surf advisory in effect
Tim Hamilton
Bodyboarder Micah Oh competes in 4 to 8 foot surf during the 2012 IBA Pipe Challenge bodyboarding competition at Ehukai Beach Park Wednesday. The competition continues today.
A northwest swell will bring potentially dangerous waves to the north and west shores of most islands through Friday.
The National Weather Service says a high surf advisory remains in effect for north shores of Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai and Maui and the west shores of Kauai, Oahu, Hawaii island and Niihau until 6 p.m. Friday.
The swell is expected to peak with waves of 6 to 10 feet today and gradually decline to 5 to 8 foot heights tonight and Friday.
Forecasters say the surf could produce dangerous rip currents and localized beach erosion.
Strengthening trade winds are expected to create rough conditions in the water. A high surf advisory may be issued for east-facing shores tonight or Friday as the winds and waves pick up.
The winds and waves have also prompted a small craft advisory for Hawaiian waters.
More swells, including a possible south swell, are expected next week.
The weather service says a gale south-east of New Zealand may bring waves to the south shore on Monday. Another moderate northwest swell could arrive Wednesday.
