Update: High surf warning extended for north and west shorelines of Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau

Update at 7:08 a.m. Dec. 27: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the high surf warning for north and west shorelines of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau until 6 a.m. Friday.

Surf of 20 to 30 feet along north-facing shores and up to 18 to 22 feet along west-facing shores is forecast today. Surf will briefly drop before rising again to 25 to 35 feet along north-facing shores and 18 to 24 feet along west-facing shores Thursday.

Surf along exposed north- and west-facing shores will build and peak above warning levels through the day as a significant north-northwest swell builds down the Hawaiian Islands. A brief decline is expected tonight before a second extra-large north-northwest swell fills in Thursday, maintaining warning level surf through Thursday night.

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 in the warning areas. Large breaking waves and strong currents also could impact harbor entrances and channels, causing challenging boat handling.

The public is advised to 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.

Original post: The National Weather Service issued a high surf warning for north- and west-facing shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau in effect from noon till 6 p.m. Wednesday. The warning may be extended, dropped, or modified as conditions develop.

According to the forecast, the surf will build through the day, then peak above warning levels this evening through Wednesday. Surf of 10 to 15 feet building to 25 to 30 feet tonight through Wednesday along north-facing shores is forecasted. Surf of 8 to 12 feet building to 15 to 25 feet tonight through Wednesday along west-facing shores is predicted.

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 extreme caution, as large breaking waves could make it dangerous for those standing along the shoreline.

For updated information on ocean and weather alerts, visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.

For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety, speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit www.hawaiibeachsafety.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.