Northwest swells could reach 30 feet tonight
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a high surf warning for north- and west-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu and Molokai, and for north-facing shores of Maui.
A powerful storm system passing far north of the Hawaiian Islands has generated a large open ocean swell that is expected to reach Hawaiian waters later tonight, the NWS said. The surf is forecast to rise to 20 to 30 feet along north-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai and Oahu late tonight and along north-facing shores of Molokai and Maui tomorrow morning, the weather service said.
The surf also is expected to rise to 10 to 20 feet along west-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai and Oahu tonight and along he same shores of Molokai tomorrow morning.
The weather service today also issued a small craft advisory for all Hawaiian waters.
Bryan Cheplic, spokesman for the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, provided the following safety tips for beachgoers:
“As we progress further into the north shore high-surf season these large surf events will become more frequent, so our Ocean Safety personnel are reminding everyone to take the necessary safety precautions,” Cheplic said. “Lifeguards are asking for the public’s continued cooperation in helping 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 that can be accessed 24 hours a day at 922-3888, ext. 51 or visit www.hawaiibeachsafety.org.
