Update: High surf advisory extended for north and west shorelines of Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau

Update at 5:54 a.m. Jan. 5: The high surf advisory for north- and west-facing shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau has been extended until 6 a.m. Saturday.

Surf of 18 to 24 feet is forecast along north shorelines and 14 to 18 feet for west shorelines.

Strong breaking waves and strong currents in the advisory areas will make swimming dangerous. The public is advised to heed all advice from ocean safety officials.

When in doubt, don’t go out.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu says a large northwest swell causing the high surf will begin to gradually decline later today, with that trend continuing through the weekend.

Original post: A high surf advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday till 6 p.m. Friday for north and west shorelines of Ni‘ihau and Kaua‘i.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a large northwest swell (320 degrees) will build tonight, then peak at advisory levels along most north- and west-facing shores of the smaller islands Thursday through Friday.

Surf will build to 15 to 20 feet along north-facing shores and 10 to 14 feet along west-facing shores. Impacts are expected to be moderate. Strong breaking waves and currents will make swimming dangerous.