High Seas, Gusty Winds as Front Approaches State

Hāna Boat Ramp, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

Increasing winds and seas are expected today and tonight as a front approaches the state from the west, according to the National Weather Service.

The front is expected to spread over the state, approaching Kauaʻi first, then moving over the western end of the state tonight.

The forecast calls for locally strong southwest winds to spread to Oʻahu and Maui County beginning tonight.  The NWS also notes that a building northwest swell will help to push combined seas to around 10 feet.

The National Weather Service issued a small craft advisory until 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, for the Kauaʻi Channel; Kauaʻi northwest, windward, and leeward waters; Oʻahu windward and leeward waters; the Kaiwi Channel between Oʻahu and Molokaʻi; and Maui County windward waters.

The NWS advisory states that the front will result in increased winds blowing from the southwest at 20 to 25 knots tonight, then shifting to the northwest on Friday. Seas are expected to build to 8 to 11 feet tonight.

The agency advises inexperienced mariners, and those operating smaller vessels to avoid navigating in these conditions.