High surf advisory extended on Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau till Friday, marine warning issued for surrounding waters

11 a.m. Jan. 24 update: A special marine warning is issued for the Kaua‘i Channel till 12:45 p.m. 

At 10:47 a.m., strong thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Nawiliwili Harbor to 34 nm south of the southern tip of Ni‘ihau, moving east at 25 knots.

Wind gusts could reach 34 knots or greater.

Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

9:27 a.m. Jan. 24 update: A special marine warning was issued for Kaua‘i’s leeward waters till 11:30 a.m.

At 9:25 a.m., showers were located along a line extending from 13 nm southeast of Lehua Rock to 8 nm south of the southern tip of Ni‘ihau to 64 nm southwest of FAD Buoy PP, moving east at 20 knots.

Wind gusts of 34 knots or greater are expected.

Original post: A high surf advisory remains in effect for much of the Hawaiian Islands till Friday at 6 a.m.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, an ongoing large to moderate size, medium period west-northwest swell will slowly fall today but still produce near advisory-level surf. A reinforcing similar size swell will arrive later tonight into Thursday morning.

North-facing shores of the smaller islands, including Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, are expected to see 10 to 15 feet of surf and 8 to 12 feet on west-facing shores.

The National Weather Service also issued a special marine warning for waters surrounding Kaua‘i till 10 a.m.

At 8:25 a.m., radar showed showers extending from 16 nm northwest of Nohili Point to 6 nm southwest of Lehua Rock, moving east at 25 knots. Wind gusts of 34 knots or greater are expected.

Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

For those going out on the water, prepare for gusty winds, steep and fast-building seas, and blinding downpours. Stay low or go below, and make sure all on board are wearing life jackets.