(ABOVE PHOTO) Image created using a portion of a National Weather Service map showing the area on Hawaii Island that is under a High Surf Warning (green). North facing shores are under a High Surf Advisory (purple).

NEWS BRIEF

• A high surf warning has been issued for the west facing shores of the Big Island until 6 p.m. Surf heights are forecast to be between 8 to 12 feet with higher sets. The biggest waves are expected south of Kailua-Kona.
• Hawaii County Civil Defense says the following West Hawaii beaches are closed: Kahalu’u Beach Park, La’aloa / Magic Sands, and Honl’s Beach.
• North facing shores are under a High Surf Advisory.

INSIGHTS

The National Weather Service says the high surf is the result of a powerful storm off the Kamchatka Peninsula a few days ago. The storm created a very large northwest swell which will persist at least through today, forecaster say. The swell is expected to begin to subside tonight, but the NWS Honolulu says a high surf advisory will very likely be needed tonight and Thursday.

PRIMARY SOURCES

A high surf warning remains in effect until 6 pm hst this evening.

* Surf… 25 to 35 feet this morning along north and west facing shores of Niihau and Kauai… And north facing shores of Oahu… With some higher sets. 20 to 30 feet along north facing shores of Molokai and Maui… With some higher sets. Surf will begin to subside this afternoon but will remain above warning levels. Surf will be 12 to 22 feet with some higher sets today along west facing shores of Oahu and Molokai.

* Timing… Through today.

* Impacts… High… Expect seawater occasionally sweeping across portions of beaches… Very strong breaking waves… And strong currents. Breaking waves may make produce dangerous conditions for boats entering or leaving harbors.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

Stay out of the water and well away from the shore break along the affected shores. Anyone entering the water or venturing too close to the shoreline could face significant injury or death. Boaters should beware of waves breaking in harbor entrances and watch out for surfers and body boarders using harbor channels to access surfing areas.National Weather Service on Nov. 12