A high surf warning has been extended for the Big Island’s north- and east-facing shores through 6 p.m. Thursday. Some north-facing shores along the North Kona coast will also see high surf.
A high surf warning has been extended for the Big Island’s north- and east-facing shores through 6 p.m. Thursday. Some north-facing shores along the North Kona coast will also see high surf.
A very large north swell fueling the waves is expected to decline Thursday, but will remain elevated and dangerous, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
The service forecast waves ranging in height from 10 to 15 feet along for the island’s north- and east-facing shores. A portion of the Kona coastline, from Keahole Point to Kiholo Bay, is also forecast to see high surf, though not as high as is expected along the Hamakua Coast, from Upolu Point in North Kohala to Richardson Beach Park in Hilo, according to forecasters.
The service categorized the surf’s impact as “very high” warning that waves may sweep across portions of beaches, roadways, coastal benches and lava flows. The National Weather Service also warned of powerful longshore and rip currents and that breaking waves may impact harbors making navigating harbor channels dangerous. It further cautioned inexperienced swimmers to remain out of the water and off beaches and adjacent beachfront areas.