10/20 3a High Surf Advisory Maui & Molokai

October 20, 2010 – 3:45 a.m.

EVENTS:  The National Weather Service in Honolulu has ISSUED a HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and MAUI in effect from 6:00 a.m. this morning to 6:00 p.m. Thursday.

A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion.

EFFECTS:  A large northwest swell will cause surf to increase to heights of 12 to 15 feet along north facing shores of Molokai and Maui by this afternoon.  This large surf will continue along these shorelines through tonight and Thursday.

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

A high tide of approximately 2.1 feet is expected between 12:42 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. this afternoon.

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.

NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025.   NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl.

Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov.