Surf Warning Jan. 19-21: Maui 20-30 ft, Kauai 30-40 ft

(Updated: 3:20 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 18, 2011)

A large northwest swell will produce warning level surf across the island chain.  The National Weather Service High Surf WARNING goes into effect at noon on Wednesday, and remains in effect until noon on Friday, January, 21, 2011. 

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Surf will increase rapidly on Wednesday afternoon and evening, reaching: 30-40 feet along north and west facing shores of Kauai; 25-35 feet along north shores of Oahu; 20-30 feet along west shores of Oahu; and 20-30 feet along north shores of Maui and Molokai.

Forecasters from the National Weather Service say the swell will reach Kauai first, building rapidly Wednesday afternoon as it spreads to islands farther to the east.  Some wave run-up is possible along leeward Oahu.

The surf will result in dangerous ocean conditions and deadly rip currents.  Battering waves are expected along affected shorelines. 

(Posted by Wendy Osher; supporting information courtesy National Weather Service)