High Surf Warning Posted As Big Swell Reaches Islands

A High Surf Warning is posted through 6 o’clock Thursday as a northwest swell gradually spreads down the island chain.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a High Surf Warning for the North facing shores of Maui and Molokai and the West facing shores of Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe.

A High Surf Warning means dangerous, battering waves will pound the shoreline.  This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions, and deadly rip currents.

EFFECTS:
Surf along north facing shores of Molokai and Maui will rise to heights of 25 to 35 feet today (Tuesday, January 05, 2010).

Surf along west facing shores of Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe will rise to 15 to 20 feet today.

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

A high tide of approximately 1.5 feet is expected between 6:38 p.m. and 7:56 p.m. this evening.  The next high tide of approximately 2.2 feet is expected between 6:15 a.m. and 7:33 a.m. tomorrow morning.