UPDATE: High Surf Advisory in Effect for South-Facing Big Island Shores

UPDATE: 3:49 PM: HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST MONDAY FOR SOUTH-FACING SHORES OF ALL HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

Larger energy from the anticipated south swell is starting to register on the offshore buoys this afternoon. This should lead to a steady rise tonight along south-facing shores. The new swell is expected to peak late tonight through Sunday night at near warning levels and slowly decrease Monday into Tuesday.

AFFECTED AREAS

Niihau-Kauai Windward-Kauai Leeward-Oahu South Shore-Waianae Coast-Molokai Leeward-Lanai Makai-Kahoolawe-Maui Leeward West-Maui Central Valley-Windward Haleakala-Leeward Haleakala-Kona-South Big Island-Big Island North and East

SURF: Along south-facing shores of all Hawaiian Islands, rising to 9 to 14 feet late tonight through Sunday night and lowering to 8 to 12 feet Monday.

TIMING: Surf will build through the night and peak late tonight through Sunday night. Surf will remain above advisory levels through Monday afternoon.

IMPACTS, High: Expect ocean water occasionally sweeping across portions of beaches, very strong breaking waves and strong longshore and rip currents. Breaking waves may occasionally impact harbors making navigating the harbor channel dangerous.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

Large, breaking surf, significant shorebreak, and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous. Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death. Boaters should be aware of an increased number of surfers and body boarders utilizing the harbor channel to access surfing areas.

7 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2019: Civil Defense High Surf Advisory

The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory for south-facing shores of Hawai‘i Island from Upolo Point in North Kohala through South Point in Ka‘ū to Cape Kumukahi in Puna.

A High Surf Advisory means surf will be higher than normal, shore break, and dangerous currents could cause injury or death.

Due to the High Surf Advisory, the following are issued;

• Expect strong breaking waves, shore break, and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous.
• Beach-goers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution when near or entering the water.
• Beaches may be closed without notice.
• There are no beach closures at this time.