Update: High surf warning downgraded to advisory

Update at 3:42 p.m. March 24: A high surf warning for north- and west-facing shores of Ni‘ihau and Kaua‘i has been downgraded to an advisory till 6 p.m. Tuesday.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a large to extra large long-period northwest (310-330 degrees) swell will hold this evening and then slowly ease tonight through midweek, falling below advisory levels later on Tuesday.

Surf along north-facing shores is expected to reach 18 to 22 feet tonight, lowering to 12 to 16 feet Tuesday. Along west-facing shores, surf 14 to 18 feet is expected tonight, lowering to 8 to 12 feet Tuesday.

Update at 7:11 a.m. March 24: A high surf advisory has been upgraded to a warning for north- and west-facing shores of Ni‘ihau and Kaua‘i till 6 p.m.

Ocean Safety Bureau officials advise no swimming on north-facing shores of Kaua‘i due to hazardous ocean conditions. This advisory is for all beaches beginning with ‘Anini Beach, going westward.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a long-period northwest (305-325 degrees) swell will peak tonight through early Monday, then gradually ease Tuesday through midweek.

Surf is expected to peak from 22 to 26 feet along north-facing shores and 18 to 22 feet along west-facing shores.

Strong breaking waves and powerful currents are expected. Waves breaking in channel entrances may make navigating the channels dangerous.

Update at 3:42 p.m. March 23: Kaua‘i Ocean Safety officials say no swimming at all beaches along the North Shore, from ‘Anini Beach westward, because of hazardous ocean conditions.

Warning signs were posted and Ocean Safety Bureau officials are monitoring the area and developing conditions.

A high surf advisory is now in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday for north and west shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. The National Weather Service in Honolulu forecast surf at heights of 18 to 24 feet along north shores and up to 14 to 18 feet for west shores.

Surf has rapidly increased through today as a long-period northwest swell builds down the island chain.

Forecasters said earlier that the swell will peak this evening and through early Monday — with surf possibly reaching warning heights at the swell’s peak if it ends up coming in larger than predicted — before beginning to gradually ease Monday night into Tuesday and through midweek.

Speak with a Kaua‘i County lifeguard or call the Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.

Original post at 6:33 a.m. March 23: National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu have issued a high surf advisory until 6 p.m. Monday for north and west shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau as a long-period northwest swell is expected to rapidly build down the island chain today.

Impacts from the swell and its accompanying surf are expected to be high.

Surf will rapidly build through today, peaking this evening and through early Monday — possibly reaching warning heights at the swell’s peak if it ends up coming in larger than predicted — before beginning to gradually ease Monday night into Tuesday and through midweek.

Surf of 18 to 24 feet is forecast along north shores and 14 to 18 feet along west shores, causing powerful large breaking waves and powerful currents.

The public is advised to keep an eye on these developing — and possibly even more dangerous — ocean conditions, and to always heed all advice from ocean safety officials.

Stay away from the shoreline along the affected coasts.

When in doubt, don’t go out.