Surf Warning Continued Until 6 p.m. Jan. 21, 2011

A High Surf WARNING remains in effect for the north facing shores of Maui, and the north and west facing shores of Molokai until 6 p.m. today.

Big wave surfers braved warning-level conditions at the famous Jaws surf break on Maui today as a large swell peaked during mid-morning on Maui Thurs. Jan. 20, 2011. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Surf is expected to peak at 22 to 30 feet today, lowering to 15 to 25 feet along north facing shores of Maui and Molokai this afternoon.  Molokai will see 15-22 foot surf along the west facing shores today, lowering to 12-18 feet this afternoon.

The high surf will result in coastal erosion and wave run-up in coastal areas exposed to the swell.

Beach goers are urged to stay out of the water and well away from the shore break due to dangerous battering waves, strong rip currents, and hazardous swimming conditions.

Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves.

A high tide of approximately 1.7 feet is expected between 3:28 p.m. and 4:46 p.m. this afternoon. The next high tide of approximately 2.8 feet is expected between 4:21 a.m. and 5:39 a.m. tomorrow morning.

(Information courtesy National Weather Service and Maui County Civil Defense Agency)