High surf, strong winds continue to hit isles
The National Weather Service this morning issued a high surf warning for north and west facing shores of Oahu, Niihau, Kauai, and Molokai and north facing shores of Maui until 6 p.m. A high surf advisory and high wind warning were also issued for north facing shores of the Big Island.
A very large north-northwest swell peaked but will continue to create dangerous surf, officials said.
Surf is expected to be between 20 and 25 feet along north facing shores of Oahu and Maui and north and west facing shores of Niihau, Kauai and Molokai, dropping to between 15 and 20 feet by tonight.
Oahu’s west facing shores are expected to have surf between 15 and 20 feet, dropping to between 12 and 16 feet by tonight, officials said.
Very high impacts are expected along with powerful currents and surging ocean water over the shoreline.
The public is urged to stay well away from the shoreline along affected areas.
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On the Big Island, surf is expected to be between 18 and 22 feet along north facing shores, dropping to between 15 and 20 feet by later tonight with moderate impacts.
The summits of the Big Island will experience strong very winds expected to be between 40 and 60 mph with localized gusts over 70 mph through tonight.
Officials are urging motorists to use caution, as driving and hiking at the summits may be dangerous.