Updated at 5:34 p.m., Sunday, November 4, 2007

South shores to see surf up to 16 feet today - video

Advertiser Staff

Stormy conditions off Kewalo Basin kept many surfers out of the water. South-shore swells could build to 16 feet by late today. CHRISTINA FAILMA | The Honolulu Advertiser

Surf along south-facing shores is expected to hit eight feet to 12 feet by this afternoon and increase to unusually high waves of 12 feet to 16 feet later today.

See the stormy surf conditions in this ADVERTISER VIDEO.

The weather service warns boaters that the swell could cause harbor surges.

"A south swell like this is pretty unusual for this late in the year," said John Bravender, National Weather Service meteorologist. "Usually south swells are in the summer. A high-surf warning of 15 feet for the south shore is pretty unusual for any time of the year."

The National Weather Service has issued a high-surf warning for south-facing shores for Ni'hau, Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Lana'i, Kaho'olawe, Maui and the Big Island. A high-surf warning means that there are dangerous swimming conditions with deadly rip currents. Swimmers and surfers are advised to stay away from the shoreline. The warning will remain in effect through 6 p.m. Monday.