Surf of 20 to 25 feet began sweeping across north and west shores of most islands today, prompting a high surf warning and closing a north Maui beach park.

The high surf flooded the parking lot of Baldwin Beach Park this morning. Maui County closed the park until at least Thursday.

The high surf warning covers the north shores of Oahu and Maui, and the west-facing shores of Kauai County and Molokai. The warning is in effect through 6 p.m. tonight. The surf is expected to decline to advisory levels tonight and a high surf advisory is expected to continue through Friday as a reinforcing swell arrives late tonight and peaks Friday morning.

“Expect ocean water occasionally sweeping across portions of beaches,” weather officials said. “Very strong breaking waves and strong longshore and rip currents may occasionally impact harbors making navigating the harbor channel dangerous.”

Boaters are also advised to take precautions as challenges may arise in navigating into the harbor channel due to breaking waves.