High Surf Warning North Shores of Maui

Ho`okipa. File photo by Carlos Rock.

By Wendy Osher

A High Surf Warning will go into effect at noon today for the north and west facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai; and for the north facing shores of Maui.

Until then, there is a High Surf Advisory already in effect as a northwest swell continues to build today.

Forecasters from the National Weather Service say the swell will peak tonight and Wednesday, with surf heights expected to exceed warning levels.

Surf is expected to build to 20-25 feet along the north facing shores, and 15 to 20 feet along the west facing shores.

The National Weather Service says the ocean conditions will be rough with hazardous rip currents.  This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions and battering waves along the affected shorelines.

Although the Big Island of Hawai’i is not included in the advisories at this point, forecasters say a the island’s west facing shores will likely be added to the advisory list later today or tonight.