High Surf midnight Tues 1/11/11 to 6p Wed 1/12/11

A High Surf ADVISORY has been issued for the north facing shores of Maui as a series of large swells begin arriving tonight.

The advisory goes into effect at midnight tonight, and remains in effect through 6 p.m. Wednesday.  The advisory is for the north shores of Maui and the north and west shores of Molokai, Niihau, Kauai and Oahu.

Photo by Wendy Osher.

The West Northwest swells were generated by a series of storms moving across the western and central pacific.

The mix of long and short period swells will result in rough surf and could push the advisory into warning levels.  Beach goers are urged to stay out of the water and well away from the shore break due to hazardous wave action and the potential for strong rip currents.

Surf along the north facing shores will be in the 15 to 20 foot range, while west shore surf will increase to 10 to 15 feet.

The surf will rise first on Kauai and Oahu, surpassing advisory levels after midnight.  Surf on Maui will rise late tonight.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, information courtesy National Weather Service)