Update: High surf warning issued for Big Island’s south-facing shores, replacing earlier advisory

Update at 5:01 p.m. June 14: A high surf warning is now in place until noon June 15 for the southern shorelines of the Big Island. The warning replaces an advisory issued earlier today.

Surf of 11 to 15 feet is forecast for the island’s south-facing shores. The public can expect very strong breaking waves and powerful currents in the warning area. Breaking waves also could make navigating channels dangerous.

The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu advises people stay away from affected shorelines, be prepared for road closures and postpone entering or leaving affected channels until the surf subsides.

The warning-level surf is the result of a medium, long-period south swell that is expected to impact the state’s south-facing shores through Saturday morning. Surf is expected to decrease afterward, through midweek, as the swell eases.

Because of the warning, Hawai‘i County Civil Defense urges the public to:

• Exercise caution and heed all advice given by ocean safety officials.
• Be advised that beaches along the affected shorelines might close without notice.
• Take necessary precautions if you in the warning area.

Original post from 7:26 a.m. June 14: A high surf advisory was issued for south-facing shores for all Hawaiian Islands until 6 p.m. Saturday.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a small to medium, long-period south (190 degrees) swell will build surf along south-facing shores to advisory levels today and may peak near warning levels later tonight into Saturday. A downward trend is expected Sunday through midweek as the swell eases.

Surf is expected to be 6 to 8 feet and build to 7 to 10 feet by this afternoon. It will peak near 10 to 14 feet late tonight into Saturday.

Strong breaking waves and currents will be present and make swimming dangerous.