72
STAR-ADVERTISER / 2019
A surfer’s board launched into the air during a wipeout on a large wave at Banzai Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore. A large, west-northwest swell is expected to arrive in the Hawaiian isles late tonight, forecasters said, while gusty trades will become especially strong over the weekend.
UPDATE: 4 p.m.
A high surf advisory has been issued for north and west facing shores of Niihau, Oahu, Molokai, and Hawaii island, and for the north facing shores of Maui, effective from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, when a large, northwest swell is expected to make its way down the island chain.
In addition, a high surf advisory is also in effect for the east facing shores of isles from Kauai to Hawaii island.
The National Weather Service expects surf of 18 to 24 feet along north facing shores, and 12 to 16 feet for west facing shores during the advisory.
Surf of 6 to 8 feet is expected Saturday for east facing shores, which will build to 7 to 10 feet Saturday night.
Officials warn of moderate impacts, including strong, breaking waves and rip currents, which will make swimming difficult and dangerous.
A wind advisory has also been issued for portions of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Hawaii island, effective through 6 a.m. Sunday.
East winds of 20 to 30 mph, with localized gusts of over 45 mph, are expected, and will be strongest over and immediately downwind of mountains.
Winds this strong are capable of downing tents, trees and causing power outages, officials said.
EARLIER TODAY
A large, west-northwest swell is expected to arrive in the Hawaiian isles late tonight, forecasters said, while gusty trades will become especially strong over the weekend.
The National Weather Service said the swell is expected to peak Saturday, prompting an advisory for most north and west shores of Hawaii’s smaller isles. The more westerly direction of this swell may also prompt an advisory for Hawaii island’s west shores late Saturday.
Surf at 6 to 8 feet on north shores this morning is expected to rise to 8 to 12 feet tonight, and 18 to 24 feet Saturday. Surf at 4 to 6 feet on west shores this morning is expected to rise to 6 to 8 feet tonight, and 12 to 16 feet Saturday.
As trades ramp up, rough surf along east shores will rise from 5 to 7 feet today to 7 to 10 feet Saturday afternoon. On south shores, surf remains steady at 1 to 3 feet today through Saturday.
Today’s forecast is partly cloudy for most areas with scattered showers and highs from 79 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Lows tonight dip to 63 to 71 degrees.
Areas of haze remain for parts of Hawaii island, as the eruption at Kilauea continues. The lava is confined to Halemaumau Crater, where it is erupting from a vent to a lava lake, which on Thursday morning measured about 663 feet deep. Sulfur dioxide emission rates in the area remain elevated.
Strong winds at 15 to 25 mph become especially strong over the weekend, particularly Sunday, forecasters said, with gusts of 45 to 50 mph for some areas, possibly requiring a wind advisory for parts of the state over the next few days.
A small craft advisory for waters from northwest of Kauai to the windward side of Hawaii island remains in effect through 6 p.m. Sunday.
By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines.
Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.