Update: Advisory level surf continues for some Big Island shores

Update at 8:45 a.m. Feb. 7: A lingering northeast swell and new northwest swell have combined to bring high surf to most Hawaiian shorelines.

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu say the northeast swell will continue to decline today even as the northwest swell reaches its peak.

A high surf advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. today for east-facing shores of the Big Island, with surf up to 12 feet forecast as a result of the swells.

The public should heed all advice from ocean safety officials in the advisory areas as strong breaking waves and strong currents will be present, making swimming and surfing dangerous.

Update at 4:25 p.m. Feb. 6: A northeast swell will maintain high surf along east-facing shores through Friday.

In response, the National Weather Service in Honolulu extended the high surf advisory in effect for eastern shores of the Big Island until 6 p.m. Friday.

Surf of up to 10 feet is now expected along east-facing shores that will continue to produce strong breaking waves and strong currents that will make swimming and surfing dangerous.

Forecasters again urge the public to heed all advice from ocean safety officials.

When in doubt, don’t go out.

Update at 2:26 p.m. Feb. 6: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has canceled the wind advisory previously in effect for the summit areas of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island.

Winds have lowered below advisory thresholds.

However, a high surf advisory continues through the rest of today for the island’s east-facing shores, with surf of up to 12 feet expected, causing strong breaking waves and strong currents that will continue to make swimming and surfing dangerous.

Original post from 9:52 a.m. Feb. 6: A northeast swell will remain near its peak through this afternoon then gradually decline through Saturday, bringing with it advisory level surf to eastern shores of the state.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu continued a high surf advisory until 6 p.m. today for east-facing shores of the Big Island in response. Surf of up to 12 feet is forecast along those shores, causing strong breaking waves and strong currents.

Surf that high will make swimming and surfing dangerous, so forecasters advise the public to heed all advice from ocean safety officials.

When in doubt, don’t go out.

A wind advisory is also in effect until 6 p.m. today for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island.

National Weather Service forecasters say west to northwest winds of 40 to 55 mph are expected atop the mountains, with gusts up to 65 mph.

Winds that strong can make it difficult to open and close doors. Driving also will be difficult at the summits, especially for drivers of high-profile vehicles.

The public is urged to consider postponing travel to the summits until conditions improve.

If you must travel to the summits, use extra caution walking and driving. Be careful opening or closing doors and also make sure outdoor items are secured.