Nolo producing warning level surf along south, southeast shorelines of Big Island
South and southeast shorelines of the Big Island are now under a high surf warning through 6 a.m. Sunday as Hurricane Nolo continues to generate a swell producing dangerously large breaking waves that are expected to continue through Saturday night.
Waves of 12 to 16 feet are forecast for shores along coastlines included in the warning.
Impacts from the warning level event will be high, with very strong breaking waves and powerful currents that not only will make ocean recreation activities likely life-threatening but also could cause the waves to break in channel entrances resulting in dangerous channel navigation.
The public is advised to stay away from shorelines along affected coasts. Be prepared for road closures, and postpone entering or leaving impacted channels until surf subsides.
A high surf advisory then immediately replaces the warning at 6 a.m. Sunday for southeast shorelines and remains in place until 6 p.m. later the same day. The high surf advisory for east-facing shores of the island also continues through 6 p.m. Sunday.
Large breaking waves of 9 to 12 feet are expected for shores along coastlines in the advisory areas, bringing possible moderate impacts. Those waves coupled with strong currents will continue to make swimming and other ocean recreation dangerous.
The public should heed all advice from ocean safety officials during the advisory time perid. Remember: when in doubt, don’t go out.
This swell combined with strengthening trades will maintain overnight Saturday and then begin to diminish Sunday as Nolo continues an expected westward track, moving away from the islands.
