Update: High surf advisory now in effect for north, west shores of Kaua‘i and Ni’ihau

Update at 7:51 a.m. Feb. 12: Warning level surf is no longer battering the north and west shores of Kaua‘i and Ni’ihau; however, a reinforcing large west-northwest will maintain advisory level surf through early Thursday morning.

In response, the National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued another high surf advisory for those shorelines of both islands until 6 a.m. Feb. 13.

Surf of 18 to 24 feet is expected along northern shores and 14 to 18 feet for west shores. Strong breaking waves and strong currents will continue to make swimming and likely other ocean activities dangerous along the coastlines in the advisory areas.

The public is again urged to heed all advice from ocean safety officials. When in doubt, don’t go out.

Original post from 4:24 p.m. Feb. 11: A high surf warning is now in effect for the north and west shores of Kaua‘i and Ni’ihau as a large west-northwest swell is forecast to rise through this afternoon and peak overnight.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued the warning, which replaces a previous high surf advisory that was in place, that will be in effect until 6 a.m. Feb. 12.

Forecasters said, however, that while the warning is only in effect through tonight and there will be a decrease in surf Wednesday, advisory level surf is expected to continue into early Thursday.

Surf building to 20 to 25 feet is forecast along north shores and 15 to 20 feet along west shores, with impacts expected to be high.

Very strong breaking waves and powerful currents are forecast. Waves breaking in channel entrances also could make navigating dangerous.

“Entering the water in these areas during the high surf warning is very hazardous and could cause serious injury or death,” said Kaua‘i Fire Department in a notification about the warning. “Beachgoers are also advised to use extreme caution, as large breaking waves could make it dangerous for those standing along the shoreline.

The public is urged to:

• Stay away from the shoreline along the affected coasts.
• Be prepared for road closures.
• Postpone entering or leaving affected channels until the high surf subsides.

Visit the National Weather Service website for updated information about ocean and weather alerts.

Speak with a Kaua‘i County lifeguard at any lifeguard station, click here or call the Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984 for up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety.