Small craft advisory issued for Big Island waters

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The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a small craft advisory for waters off leeward and southeast coasts of Hawaii Island effective through Monday morning.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a small craft advisory for waters off leeward and southeast coasts of Hawaii Island effective through Monday morning.

Forecasters said the advisory was prompted by a strengthening surface high located north of the state that will result in increased trade winds in waters around Maui and the Big Island.The service forecast east winds reaching 25 knots, or about 29 mph, with gusts possible up to 30 knots, or about 34 mph. Rough seas of 8 feet to 11 feet are also expected.

A small craft advisory means that wind speeds of 25 to 33 knots, or 29 to 38 mph, and/or seas are expected to be 10 feet or greater and expected to produce conditions hazardous to small craft, according to the service. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in such conditions.