Headline:
High Surf Warning issued December 21 at 3:31PM HST until December 23 at 6:00AM HST by NWS Honolulu HI
Event:
High Surf Warning
Urgency:
Expected
Effective:
December 21, 2024 - 5:31pm
Expires:
December 22, 2024 - 6:45am
Description:
...HIGH SURF WARNING FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU MOLOKAI AND NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI...
...HIGH SURF WARNING FOR WEST FACING SHORES OF THE BIG ISLAND...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF THE BIG ISLAND...
.An extended period of hazardous surf and beach conditions will
persist through Sunday night along exposed north and west facing
shores due to overlapping, winter-caliber northwest swells
(315-330 degrees). The current swell will be on a slow decline
tonight, but the largest swell in the recent series is expected to
arrive in the predawn hours, rapidly rise and peak through the
day Sunday, and then gradually ease Sunday night and Monday.
* WHAT...Surf of 22 to 35 feet tonight, building to 40 to 50 feet
Sunday along north facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai
and Maui. Surf of 12 to 20 feet tonight, building to 25 to 35
feet Sunday along west facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, and
Molokai. Surf of 6 to 10 feet tonight, building to 8 to 12 feet
along west facing shores of the Big Island.
* WHERE...North and west facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, and
Molokai, north facing shores of Maui, and west facing shores of
the Big Island.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Monday, with a peak expected through the
day Sunday. The best chance for coastal impacts to properties
and roadways will be during the peak daily high tides through
the early morning hours.
* IMPACTS...Very High...Expect ocean water surging and sweeping
across beaches, coastal benches, and lava flows creating the
potential for impacts to coastal properties and
infrastructure, including roadways. Powerful longshore and rip
currents will be present at most beaches. Large breaking waves
and strong currents may impact harbor entrances and channels
causing challenging boat handling.
Instruction:
Stay away from the shoreline along the affected coasts. Be
prepared for road closures. Postpone entering or leaving channels
affected by the high surf until the surf subsides.
Area Description:
Niihau; Kauai Southwest; Waianae Coast; Oahu North Shore; Maui Windward West; Kona; Kohala; Kauai North; Molokai Windward; Molokai North; Molokai West; Maui Central Valley North; Windward Haleakala
Forcast Office:
NWS Honolulu HI