Surf grows, high surf warning remains in effect for most islands
STAR-ADVERTISER / FEB. 2016
John John Florence caught some air on this wave during round 2, heat 3 of the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau at Waimea Bay. A high surf warning is in effect for the north-facing shores of Kauai County, Oahu, Maui, Molokai and Hawaii island, and the west-facing shores of Kauai County through this evening.
Although blustery northerly winds eased up overnight, the large surf pounding the north and west shores of most islands grew in size.
A high surf warning remains in effect for the north and west-facing shores of Kauai County and the north-facing shores of Oahu, Maui, Molokai and Hawaii island through 6 p.m. today.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service expect a large northwest swell to peak today. Combining with strong northerly winds, the large surf “will result in additional beach erosion and possibly some overwash onto vulnerable coastal roadways along north-facing shores this morning,” weather officials said.
Surf along affected shores is expected to hit 24 to 30 feet today.
A high surf advisory also is in effect for the west-facing shores of Oahu and Molokai. Surf along affected west shores should reach 14 to 18 feet today, forecasters said.
Expect ocean water occasionally sweeping across portions of beaches, very strong, breaking waves and strong longshore and rip currents. Breaking waves may occasionally impact harbors, making navigating the harbor channel dangerous, weather officials said.
