Large Swell Expected, High Surf Warning Issued

The National Weather Service issued a High Surf Warning for the North and West facing shores of Molokai and the North facing shores of Maui until 6 p.m. Thursday.

A High Surf Warning indicates that dangerous battering waves will pound the shoreline.  This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions and deadly rip currents.

A large West-Northwest swell will arrive in the islands tonight and affect various North and West facing shores through Thursday.  In addition to the high surf, moderately high tides are expected during the warning period which can cause additional beach run-up.

Surf along north facing shores of Molokai will be 20 to 30 feet.

Surf along west facing shores of Molokai will be 15 to 20 feet.

Surf along north facing shores of Maui will be 20 to 25 feet.

Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves.

A high tide of approximately 2.5 feet is expected between 1:35 a.m. and 2:53 a.m. Wednesday morning.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:   A HIGH SURF WARNING INDICATES THAT DANGEROUS, BATTERING WAVES WILL POUND THE SHORELINE.  THIS WILL RESULT IN VERY DANGEROUS SWIMMING CONDITIONS AND DEADLY RIP CURRENTS.  BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS.

INFORMATION:   Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation.  Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates.   NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025.   NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl.