High Surf Warning Extended, Public Advised to Stay Away for West, South Shorelines

The National Weather Service has extended the high surf warning through 6 p.m. for all south-facing shores of all the islands.

The Kauai County Ocean Safety Bureau continues to advise against swimming and snorkeling on west- and south-facing beaches. Officials continue to advise the public to stay away from west and south shorelines.

According to NWS this morning, the extra large, south swell out of the 170- to 190-degree direction will continue to produce dangerous breaking waves along south-facing shores today. A combination of large surf and regular predicted water levels will lead to flooding of beaches that typically remain dry.

Surf heights are expected to be 15 to 20 feet and lower to 14 to 18 feet this afternoon.

The public should expect ocean water occasionally sweeping across portions of beaches, powerful breaking waves, and strong longshore and rip currents. Large breaking waves and strong currents may impact harbor entrances and channels causing challenging boat handling.

Significant beach run-up, flooding of beaches that typically remain dry, and overwash in vulnerable low-lying coastal roadways can be expected with this swell, especially near times of high tide.

Large, breaking surf, significant shorebreak, and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous.

Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death.

Boaters should be aware of an increased number of surfers and body boarders utilizing the harbor channel to access surfing areas.