UPDATE: High wind warning, high surf advisory issued for north, west-facing shores of Kauaʻi

3:51 p.m. Feb. 7 update: The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for Kaua‘i going into effect 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, through 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9.

According to forecasters, east winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts to 50 miles per hour are predicted Sunday morning strengthening to 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts to 60 miles per hour by late afternoon into the evening.

Those in an area where a high wind warning is in effect should avoid activities that are exposed to high winds. Loose objects may be blown around, tree limbs may break and fall and power lines may be blown down, according to the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency.

A high surf advisory is also in effect for north- and west-facing shores of Niʻihau and Kauaʻi through 6 a.m. Sunday.

Surf is predicted to reach 10 to 16 feet along north-facing shores and 7 to 12 feet along west-facing shores before dropping below advisory thresholds Sunday morning.

For weather updates, visit the National Weather Service website. To sign up for the county’s emergency notification service, Wireless Emergency Notification System, call Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800, or follow this link: https://entry.inspironlogistics.com/kauai_hi/wens.cfm.

Original post: Forecasters with the National Weather Service have issued a high surf warning for the north- and west-facing shores of Niʻihau and Kauaʻi until 6 p.m. Saturday.

According to the National Weather Service, a large west-northwest to northwest swell will build down the island chain this afternoon and tonight. Surf along north and west shores of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau will rise above advisory thresholds later this afternoon.

Surf is predicted to build to reach 12 to 20 feet this afternoon, with peaks at 20 to 25 feet tonight along the north-facing shores. The west-facing shores are predicted to see surf reach 8 to 15 feet this afternoon before peaking at 15 to 20 feet tonight.

According to the forecasters, impacts could be high with strong breaking waves and powerful currents. Waves breaking in channel entrances may make navigating the channels dangerous.

Entering the water in these areas during the high surf warning is hazardous and could cause serious injury or death. Beachgoers are also advised to use caution, as large breaking waves could make it dangerous for those standing along the shoreline.

The swell is expected to decline sharply Saturday afternoon and evening, with surf expected to fall below advisory levels by Sunday morning.