WARNING: 40-50′ Surf to Pound North Shores

File photo by Carlos Rock.

By Wendy Osher

On the water, a large swell will bring 40- to 50-foot surf to the north facing shores of most Hawaiian islands.

Forecasters say the surf made its way down to Niʻihau and Kauaʻi overnight, and is expected to reach Oʻahu by sunrise, and reach Maui and Molokaʻi by mid-morning today.

The National Weather Service issued a high surf warning until 6 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, with dangerous, battering waves expected to pound the shoreline. This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions and deadly rip currents, the advisory stated.

Forecasters say surf will build rapidly by mid-morning on Maui and Molokaʻi, with surf remaining above warning levels through Thursday night.

In Maui County, the warning is in effect for the north and west facing shores of Molokaʻi, and the north facing shores of Maui.

The NWS advises coastal residents to take measures to protect their property. Mariners are advised that “giant breaking surf, very large shorebreak, and dangerous currents will make it extremely hazardous to approach the shoreline.”