High Surf Warning issued February 15 at 3:30AM HST until February 16 at 6:00PM HST by NWS Honolulu HI
…HIGH SURF WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU KAUAI OAHU MOLOKAI BIG ISLAND AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI… .A large northwest swell will arrive through the day and rapidly build down the island chain. This swell will result in surf rapidly lifting to warning levels along most northern and western facing shores. This large swell will likely adversely impact coastal areas, especially during Thursday and Friday evening high tide times. Preparations should be made for significant coastal impacts as ocean water runs up and inundates beaches and potentially affects coastal properties and roadways. * WHAT…Surf 35 to 45 feet along many north-facing shores. Surf 20 to 25 feet along many west-facing shores of the smaller islands except Maui. 15 to 25 foot surf impacting Big Island north-facing shores Friday. 8 to 12 foot surf along Big Island west-facing shores Friday. Swell timing has the highest surf impacting Oahu from this afternoon through Friday…Maui from later this afternoon through Friday…and Big Island from this evening through Friday. * WHERE…North and west-facing shores of Oahu, Molokai and north facing shores of Maui today. The north and west facing shores of Big Island Friday. * WHEN…Until 6 PM HST Friday. * IMPACTS…Very High. Expect ocean water surging and sweeping across beaches, coastal benches, and lava flows creating the potential for impacts to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways. Powerful longshore and rip currents will be present at most beaches. Large breaking waves and strong currents may impact north or west facing harbor entrances and channels causing challenging boat handling.
Instructions
Stay away from the shoreline along the affected coasts. Be prepared for road closures. Postpone entering or leaving channels affected by the high surf until the surf subsides.
