High surf advisory canceled for south shores; Small craft advisory in effect
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
People walk in front of the high surf, Sunday, near the Kapahulu Groin in Waikiki.
JAMM AQUINO / JULY 16
A surfer rides a large wave at Ala Moana Bowls during a large south swell.
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / JULY 17
Swimmers, boogie boarders and surfers near the Kapahulu Groin in Waikiki during high surf.
UPDATE: 3:47 p.m.
The National Weather Service has canceled the high-surf advisory, but a small craft advisory is now in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday.
Officials said expect hazardous conditions for small craft with northeast to east winds of 20 to 25 knots and seas of 8 to 10 feet. Affected areas are Maalaea Bay, Pailolo Channel, Alenuihaha Channel, Big Island leeward and southeast waters.
“Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions,” according to a statement.
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A high-surf advisory is in effect for the south shores of all islands through 6 p.m. today.
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Forecasters expect surf of 8 to 12 feet this morning, easing to 7 to 10 feet this afternoon.
The large south swell that peaked on Sunday is slowly easing and should return to below advisory levels tonight through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
Weather officials say beachgoers should expect strong breaking waves, shore break and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous.
An earlier high-surf warning was canceled overnight.
A brown-water advisory remains in effect for the east, south and west shores of Oahu and the south shore of Maui after high surf and heavy rain resulted in stormwater runoff entering coastal waters.
“The public is advised to stay out of flood waters and storm water runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, sewer, manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals, and associated flood debris,” according to a statement from the state Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch System. “Not all coastal areas may be impacted by runoff, however, if the water is brown stay out. Continue to practice good personal hygiene and follow-up with your primary care physician if you have any health concerns.”
In addition, a small craft advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday for Maalaea Bay, Pailolo Channel, Alenuihaha Channel, Big Island leeward waters and Big Island southeast waters.
Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. The National Weather Service advises inexperienced mariners and those operating small vessels to avoid navigating in these conditions.
