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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Emily Erickson, middle, rides with two other surfers at Waimea Bay on Wednesday.
A high surf warning in place since Tuesday for north and west shores from Niihau to Molokai, and north shores of Maui is in effect until 6 p.m. today.
The National Weather Service said surf heights of 20 to 25 feet, and 15 to 20 feet, are still expected along north and west shores of the islands, respectively, today, with impacts that include rip currents and ocean water sweeping across beaches.
Entering the water in these areas remains hazardous, authorities warn.
The swell peaked Wednesday and will slowly lower to advisory levels tonight through Friday, forecasters said.
Today’s forecast includes mostly fair skies, scattered afternoon showers and highs from 79 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Tonight’s skies are expected to be partly cloudy, with lows dipping to 68 to 73.
Northeast winds of 15 mph are expected to pick up tonight to up to 20 to 25 mph on Friday.
A high surf advisory for the west shores of Hawaii island, with waves of 6 to 8 feet, also expires at 6 p.m. today.
Surf on south and east shores remains low, at 1 to 3 feet today through Friday.
Forecasters said advisory-level surf could potentially return to north and west shores Saturday, then build to warning levels again Sunday night as another large, northwest swell arrives.
Ongoing erosion along exposed shores will worsen with this long-duration event, they warned.
A small craft advisory issued for all Hawaiian waters, except Maalaea Bay, also remains in effect through 6 p.m. today.
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