30 Foot Surf Expected on the North Shore

A High Surf WARNING is in effect for the North and West facing shores of Maui and Molokai until 6 a.m. Thursday, November 26, 2009.

This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions and deadly rip currents.

Surf will increase to heights of 20 to 30 feet along North facings shores of Molokai and Maui today, (Wednesday, November 25, 2009).  Surf will also increase to heights of 14 to 20 feet along West facing shores of Molokai and Maui.

A High Surf Warning indicates that dangerous, battering waves will pound the shoreline.

EFFECTS:  The large Northwest swell will build Wednesday morning and peak later in the day and night.  Surf along affected shore lines will peak at warning levels today, but will fall to advisory levels on Thursday and Friday.

Surf will increase to heights of 20 to 30 feet along North facings shores of Molokai and Maui today, Wednesday morning.  Surf will also increase to heights of 14 to 20 feet along West facing shores of Molokai and Maui this morning.  The swell and surf will gradually diminish on Thursday and into Friday.

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

A high tide of approximately 2.0 feet is expected between 08:53 a.m. and 10:11 a.m. this morning.  A high tide of approximately 1.5 feet is expected between 11:57 p.m. and 12:36 a.m. this evening and early tomorrow morning.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:   BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS.

INFORMATION:   Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation.  Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Information provided by the National Weather Service, NOAA and the Maui County Civil Defense Agency)