High Surf North and West shores through 6p 1/12/11

A large west-northwest swell will arrive tonight, bringing 15 to 20 foot surf along the north shores of Maui and Molokai.

MauiNOW file image.

The National Weather Service issued a High Surf ADVISORY for the affected shorelines through 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12, 2011.

A mix of long and short period swells will create rough surf conditions and potentially push the advisory into warning status.  Beach goers are advised to stay away from the shore break due to hazardous wave action and strong rip currents.

Forecasters say a high tide of approximately 1.4 feet is expected between 6:54 p.m. and 8:12 p.m. today. The next high tide of approximately 1.9 feet is expected between 5:44 a.m. and 7:02 a.m. tomorrow morning.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, information courtesy National Weather Service and Maui County Civil Defense)