High surf warning in effect for north and west shores of Kauai County

A high surf warning has been issued for the north and west shores of of Niihau and Kauai due to a large northwest swell traveling down the isle chain, from noon today through 6 p.m. Tuesday.

A high surf advisory is also in effect for the north and west shores of Oahu and Molokai, and north shores of Maui, from 6 p.m. this evening through 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The National Weather Service says surf of 8 to 12 feet this morning on the north and west shores of Niihau and Kauai is expected to rapidly build to 20 to 25 feet by late afternoon, and to continue through Tuesday.

Officials warn of ocean water occasionally sweeping across portions of beaches, very strong, breaking waves and strong longshore and rip currents. The large, breaking surf, significant shorebreak and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous.

Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death. Boaters should be aware of an increased number of surfers and body boarders utilizing the harbor channel to access surfing areas.

For Oahu, Molokai and Maui, surf along north shores will grow from 5 to 7 feet this morning to 10 to 14 feet this afternoon, then rapidly rise to 18 to 24 feet tonight through Tuesday.

Surf along the west shores of Oahu and Molokai will grow from 3 to 5 feet this morning to 7 to 10 feet this afternoon, then rapidly rise to 14 to 18 feet tonight through Tuesday.

Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should exercise caution and heed all advice given by ocean safety officials. Boaters should expect recreational surfers and bodyboarders utilizing harbor channels to access surfing areas.

A wind advisory for portions of Lanai, Kahoolawe, the Big Island, including the interior and summits, is in effect from 2 p.m. today to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Officials say northeast winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts up to 55 mph are expected. The highest summits of the Big Island will see northeast winds of 45 to 55 mph, with gusts to around 60 mph.

Areas affected include the cities of Manele, Lanai City, South Point, Pahala, Hilo, Volcano, Honokaa, Kamuela, Waikoloa, Bradshaw Field, Saddle Road above 5,000 feet, and Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea above 8,000 feet.

Motorists should drive with caution, especially those with high-profile vehicles. Residents should also consider securing loose items on property.

A gale warning has also been issued for the Alenuihaha Channel, Big Island leeward and southeast waters, in effect from 6 p.m. today to 6 p.m. Tuesday. A small craft advisory for waters from Kauai to Maui is in effect through 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Forecasters, meanwhile, say moderate winds today will become windy on Tuesday before returning to more moderate speeds on Wednesday and Thursday. Cool and windy weather conditions are forecast from Thursday night into next weekend.