18-24 Foot Surf expected Jan 1-3, 2011

The National Weather Service issued a High Surf ADVISORY for the North and West facing shores of Molokai and Maui and the West facing shores of Lanai from 10 p.m. Saturday, January 1, 2011 to 6 a.m. Monday, January 3, 2011.

The large West-Northwest swell will build tonight and Sunday.  It was generated a couple of days ago by a powerful low far northwest of the islands.  Surf along the North facing shores will build to 18-24 feet, while surf along West facing shores will build to heights of 12-18 feet.

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

Beach goers are urged to stay out of the water and well away from the shore break due to hazardous wave action and strong rip currents.

(Information courtesy National Weather Service and Maui Civil Defense)

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