Northwest Swell Diminishing, Surf Advisory Continues

File photo by Madeline Ziecker.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 1:09 p.m. 1/22/13)

A northwest swell peaked at around noon today, and is expected to gradually diminish below advisory levels overnight.

The National Weather Service downgraded the warning issued earlier today to an advisory for the north and west facing shores of Molokai, and the north facing shores of Maui.

Surf along the north facing shores will be in the 18 to 24 foot range this afternoon, drop to 12 to 18 feet overnight, and range from 6 to 10 feet on Wednesday.

Surf on the west facing shores will lower to 12 to 18 feet this afternoon, 8 to12 feet overnight, and 3 to 6 feet on Wednesday.

(Posted: 7:43 a.m. 1/22/13)

A high surf warning remains in effect for the north and west facing shores of Molokai, and the north facing shores of Maui through 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 22.

Forecasters from the National Weather service say a long period northwest swell will peak by noon today in most areas, with 20 to 25 foot surf expected on the north facing shores, and 15 to 20 foot surf on the west side.

Surf is expected to drop below the warning threshold by tonight, but continue above advisory levels through Wednesday morning, the NWS said.

The public is advised that warning level surf can result in ocean water occasionally sweeping over portions of beaches, very strong breaking waves, and dangerous rip currents.

The NWS advises that these dangerous conditions mean that only highly experienced persons should enter the water; inexperienced individuals should remain off beaches and adjacent beachfront areas.