High surf advisory for west-facing shores canceled

Update at 7:31 a.m. Dec. 31: The National Weather Service in Honolulu reports that surf has fallen below advisory levels. The high surf advisory that was in effect for west-facing shores of the Big Island has been canceled.

Update at 4:25 p.m. Dec. 30: The high surf advisory issued for west-facing shores of the Big Island has been extended until 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu said Friday afternoon that the west-northwest swell causing the high surf has peaked, but it will continue to maintain advisory level surf for exposed north and west shores of the state through Saturday afternoon as the swell slowly subsides.

Original story: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a high surf advisory for west-facing shores of the Big Island. The advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31.

An incoming west-northwest swell will bring advisory levels surf for exposed north and west shores of the state through Friday. Surf will be on the rise tonight, and decline Friday night. Surf along the Big Island’s west-facing shores is expected to rise to 7 to 10 feet Friday and then subsiding to 6 to 8 feet.

Impacts from the high surf could be moderate. Strong breaking waves and strong currents also will make swimming dangerous. Heed all advice from ocean safety officials — when in doubt, don’t go out.