Update: High surf advisory remains in effect through today for east-facing shores of Big Island

Update at 8:14 a.m. Nov. 18: A high surf advisory for the island’s east-facing shores remains in effect until 6 p.m. today.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu forecasts surf of 7 to 10 along eastern shorelines. Strong, breaking waves and strong currents will continue to make swimming and other ocean activities in the advisory areas dangerous.

The public is reminded to heed all advice from ocean safety officials, and when in doubt, don’t go out.

Surf along east-facing shores is forecast to remain rough and choppy for the next couple of days, especially today, in continued response to the strong trade winds that have been blowing over the state for the past several days.

The coastal flooding statement that was in effect for eastern shorelines of the island expired at 8 a.m. today.

A wind advisory issued in response to the recent strong trade winds that was in effect several days for North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona, Kaʻū and the interior of the Big Island was again briefly extended early this morning only to be canceled at 7:50 a.m.

The National Weather Service reports winds have finally lowered below advisory thresholds.

The wind advisory was first issued Nov. 13.

A large surface high pressure system has been located north of the state for the past several days. The pressure gradient between that system and the islands is what has driven the strong easterly winds.

Some locations on the Big Island and Maui were near or slightly exceeding wind advisory criteria early this morning, according to the Hawaiʻi Area Synopsis issued early this morning by the National Weather Service, which is why the advisory was briefly extended again.

Winds are beginning to ease today and will continue that downward trend throughout the next couple of days as the high pressure system moves southeastward and weakens because of a low pressure system passing far north of the area.

Winds will become light from Thursday into next weekend

Original post (edited) from 11:19 a.m. Nov. 17: The National Weather Service again extended the wind advisory that has been in effect several days for portions of Hawaiʻi Island.

The advisory now runs through Monday morning for the North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona, Kaʻū and and the interior of the Big Island.

A wind advisory means sustained winds of at least 30 miles per hour and/or frequent gusts of at least 50 miles per hour are expected.

Those in the advisory area should take necessary precautions, drive with caution and be aware of debris, downed trees, and utility lines and stay clear of downed utility lines and report all hazards to authorities.

Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency will inform the public as conditions change.

A high surf advisory for east-facing shores of the island also remains in effect.