Dangerous waves up to 40 feet on the way to Kauaʻi, Niʻihau starting Wednesday morning

The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning for north- and west-facing shores of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau from 6 a.m. on Wednesday to 6 p.m. on Thursday.

The forecast is for dangerously large breaking waves building to 30 to 40 feet along north-facing shores and waves of 20 to 30 feet along west-facing shores of Niʻihau and Kauaʻi.

A very large northwest swell will build late tonight and Wednesday and peak Wednesday night and early Thursday. The combination of large wind waves from strong west winds and a mix of medium and longer period swell energy will produce very rough and hazardous conditions into Thursday. The swell will gradually decline and shift out of the north-northwest Friday through the weekend.

Entering the water in these areas during the high surf warning is very hazardous and could cause serious injury or death. Beachgoers are also advised to use extreme caution, as large breaking waves could make it dangerous for those standing along the shoreline.

For updated information on ocean and weather alerts, visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.

For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety, please speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit www.hawaiibeachsafety.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.