High Surf Warning Extended Through Monday For South-Facing Shores

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended a high surf warning for south-facing shores of the state, including those of the Big Island.

The warning is in effect through 6 p.m. Monday, July 18. Surf of 18-24 feet is forecast today (Sunday, July 17), subsiding to 15-20 feet Monday.

A historic south swell will produce dangerous breaking waves along south-facing shores today into Monday, according to the National Weather Service advisory. A combination of large surf and regular predicted water levels could lead to flooding of beaches that typically remain dry, especially at and around the peak daily tide.

Expect ocean water occasionally sweeping across portions of beaches, very strong breaking waves and strong longshore and rip currents. Large breaking waves and strong currents might impact harbor entrances and channels, causing challenging boat handling.

Significant beach run-up and overwash in vulnerable low-lying coastal roadways also can be expected with this swell, especially near times of high tide.

Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death, the National Weather Service advisory said.

Boaters should also be aware of an increased number of surfers and body boarders using harbor channels to access surfing areas.

Because of the historic high surf, several county and state beach parks are closed. Click here for more information.

“These beach parks will be assessed Monday morning to determine closure status,” Hawai’i County Civil Defense said in its high surf update Sunday morning. “Stay tuned to your radio for updates and changes in conditions. Mahalo for your kokua.”

According to a story by Hawai’i News Now, the high surf conditions also led to damage at a seaside housing development in Keauhou. The high surf sent water rushing into townhomes and a nearby parking lot. One resident also shared photos with the Honolulu news outlet of significant damage to at least one home’s foundation and of her living room, where furniture and fixtures were tossed around and the floor covered in sand.