High surf warning in effect through Friday for Big Island’s north- and west-facing shores

A high surf warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday for Hawai‘i Island’s north- and west-facing shores.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a significant, extra large northwest swell will arrive late tonight and rapidly build down the island chain Thursday.

Swell timing has the highest surf impacting the Big Island from this evening through Friday. Surf heights of 15 to 25 feet are expected to build along northern shorelines and 8 to 12 feet for west shores.

Strong breaking waves and powerful currents are also expected. Waves breaking in the channel entrances may make navigating the channels dangerous.

Coastal inundation along various northern and western exposures is expected during times of high tide on Thursday and Friday evenings.

Preparations should be made for the threat of coastal flooding as ocean water runs up onto beaches and potentially impacts coastal properties and roadways.