Bayfront Highway closed, photo by Stephanie Salazar

HILO, Hawaii – Hilo’s Bayfront Highway remained closed on Tuesday, as high surf washed debris onto the roadway. The ocean may have warded off motorists, but it certainly beckoned surfers to take to the water earlier in the day.

Right now, a high surf warning is expected to be in effect for north and east facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and the Big Island from 6 p.m. this evening to 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

According to the National Weather Service, the combination of a powerful low pressure system north of the islands and a strong high pressure system far to the northwest has generated a large north swell that will rapidly build tonight.

Waves will build to 20 to 30 feet along north facing shores, the NWS says, and 15 to 20 feet along east facing shores. The surf will grow larger rapidly tonight (Tuesday night) , peaking on Wednesday. The waves will diminish Wednesday night and Thursday.

From the National Weather Service:

NWS Honolulu, 11.11.13

“… impacts will be very high, expect ocean water surging and sweeping across beaches, coastal benches, and lava flows. There is potential for impacts to coastal properties and infrastructure… Including roadways… Especially on Kamehameha Highway along windward Oahu… And along Bay Front Highway in Hilo. Powerful longshore and rip currents will be present at most beaches. Large breaking waves and strong currents may impact harbor entrances and channels… Causing hazardous boating conditions. These dangerous conditions mean that only highly experienced persons should enter the water. Inexperienced persons should remain off beaches and adjacent beachfront areas. Large breaking surf… Significant shorebreak… And dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous. Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death”