State’s east-facing shores now will remain under high surf advisory through midweek

A high surf advisory for the state’s east-facing shores was extended until 6 p.m. July 29 as a building east swell from Hurricane Fausto will keep surf heights elevated above advisory criteria at least through Wednesday afternoon.

Forecasters at the Honolulu office of National Weather Service added that the advisory might need to be upgraded to a warning as the swell peaks overnight July 27 and into July 28.

Surf is expected to build to 10 to 14 feet along eastern shores, producing strong breaking waves and strong currents and making swimming and other ocean recreation activities dangerous.

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

A tropical storm warning also is in effect for Hawaiian offshore waters beyond 40 nautical miles to 240 nautical miles — or about 46 miles to about 276 miles — including the portion of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument east of French Frigate Shoals

Seas given as significant wave height, which is the average height of the highest one-third of the waves. Individual waves could be more than twice the significant wave height.

Meanwhile, the high surf advisory previously in effect for south-facing shores throughout the state was canceled as surf dropped below advisory levels along those shorelines.