Photo Credit: A Goeller

HIGH SURF WARNING FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES

Swell Summary

Surf will sharply increase to XL size along many northern and western exposures progressive down the island chain through the day as a very large northwest swell builds in from the northwest. The swell will peak later Thursday and then gradually lower into Friday. A High Surf Warning (HSW) is in effect for the north and west-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Big Island and north facing shores of Maui through Friday afternoon. A Small Craft Advisory is also in effect for all waters (sans Maalea Bay) as a result of high seas created by this swell. This large swell will adversely impact coastal areas, especially during high tide times Thursday and Friday. Preparations should be made for significant coastal impacts as ocean water runs up and inundates beaches and potentially adversely affects coastal properties and roadways.

As the northwest swell fades, a moderate to large size, medium period north swell will build on its heels Friday night and Saturday, likely peaking surf at high end High Surf Advisory (HSA) or low end HSW heights along better exposed north-facing shores Saturday night and Sunday. North wrap may push weekend eastern shore surf up to HSA thresholds with the potential for this wrap to also make it into the west-facing shores of Maui and Big Island. The north swell will gradually lower as it shifts more north to northeasterly Monday night through the middle of next week. A new small to moderate size northwest swell may move through from late Monday into the middle of next week. South shore surf will remain small over the next several days.

Data Courtesy of NOAA.gov and SwellInfo.com