Update: High surf advisory now in effect for Big Island’s east-facing shores

7:31 a.m. Dec. 19 update: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has canceled the high surf warning that was in effect for east-facing shorelines of the Big Island and replaced it with a high surf advisory until 6 p.m. today.

A slowly falling moderate, medium period northeast swell, along with days of amped up trade winds, prompted the advisory. Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet are expected, with moderate impacts.

Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming dangerous. Heed all advice from ocean safety officials; when in doubt, don’t go out.

3:43 p.m. Monday update: The high surf warning was extended till 6 a.m. Tuesday for east-facing shores of the Big Island.

Surf of 14 to 18 feet is expected and 10 to 15 feet along north-facing shores.

Beachgoers should 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.

Large breaking waves and strong currents may impact harbor entrances and channels causing challenging boat handling.

7:19 a.m. Monday update: Bay Front Highway in Hilo is closed due to run up and debris on the roadway, use alternate routes.

The high surf warning will continue through the day with the greatest impacts occurring during high tide at 7:47 a.m.

7:01 p.m. Sunday update: Surf along exposed east-facing shores will peak Monday morning at warning levels as a short-lived northeast swell builds through the island chain late tonight. A downward trend is expected by Monday evening dipping below warning levels.

Surf is expected to be 14 to 18 feet. The National Weather Service in Honolulu reports that ocean water will surge and sweep 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. Large breaking waves and strong currents may impact harbor entrances and channels causing challenging boat handling.

Original post: A high surf advisory has been issued for east-facing shores from Upolu Point in North Kohala to Cape Kumukahi in Puna until 6 p.m. Monday.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a moderate, short-period northeast swell is expected along with days of amped-up trade winds.

Surf of 8 to 12 feet is expected. Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming dangerous.