Surf up to 35 feet predicted on north, west shores
Advertiser Staff
The biggest waves of the season are expected to roll in tomorrow afternoon along with winds that aren't conducive to desirable surfing, according the National Weather Service.
The weather service issued a high-surf warning from 8 p.m. tonight to 6 a.m. Friday along north- and west-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and Maui. The warning is also in effect for the west-facing shores of the Big Island.
Wave heights in the 8- to 12-foot range tomorrow morning will increase rapidly as the day wears on.
"It looks like the waves will be building throughout the afternoon, peaking tomorrow night to from 25- to 35-foot faces," said forecaster Tom Birchard. "The heights might dip a little on Thursday, but come back up again on Friday to 25 to 35 feet again."
Birchard said the westward wind direction with produce less than ideal surfing conditions for Oahu's North Shore.
A powerful storm in the North Pacific has generated a large northwest swell that will produce the big waves, the weather service said.
The Honolulu Emergency Services Department issued the following warning to beachgoers:
In anticipation of the large northwest swells that will be arriving throughout the week the City's Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division would like to remind all beachgoers:
"There is the possibility that this maybe the biggest swell of the winter so we are reminding everyone to take the necessary safety precautions," said Bryan Cheplic, Emergency Services Department Public Information Officer. "City lifeguards ask for the public's cooperation to help maintain the high level of safety and care provided to all beachgoers."
For public information regarding ocean conditions, advisories, and warnings, the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division provides a pre-recorded report which can be accessed 24 hours a day; at 922-3888, ext. 51 or visit: www.hawaiibeachsafety.org.
