High Surf Warning Extended Through Monday For South-Facing Shores

County closes portion of Ho‘one Road in Po‘ipū until further notice

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended a high surf warning for south-facing shores of the state, including those of Kauaʻi.

The warning is in effect through 6 p.m. Monday, July 18. Surf of 18-24 feet is forecast today (Sunday, July 17), subsiding to 15-20 feet Monday.

A historic south swell will produce dangerous breaking waves along south-facing shores today into Monday, according to the National Weather Service advisory. A combination of large surf and regular predicted water levels could lead to flooding of beaches that typically remain dry, especially at and around the peak daily tide.

Expect ocean water occasionally sweeping across portions of beaches, very strong breaking waves and strong longshore and rip currents. Large breaking waves and strong currents might impact harbor entrances and channels, causing challenging boat handling.

Significant beach run-up and overwash in vulnerable low-lying coastal roadways also can be expected with this swell, especially near times of high tide.

Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death, the National Weather Service advisory said.

Boaters should also be aware of an increased number of surfers and body boarders using harbor channels to access surfing areas.

Because of the hazardous ocean conditions, road damage and runoff from the ocean, the county closed Ho‘one Road in Po‘ipū, from Kuai Road to Pe‘e Road, until further notice. The public is urged to avoid the area. Barricades and signs were being installed Sunday morning.