Small craft advisory issued for Big Island windward waters

A large northwest swell has prompted a small craft advisory for the Big Island’s windward waters through 6 a.m. Saturday.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu forecast southeast winds around 10 knots to 20 knots or about 12 mph to 23 mph. Rough seas of 5 feet to 12 feet are also expected.

A small craft advisory means that wind speeds of 25 to 33 knots — 29 to 38 mph — and/or seas are expected to be 10 feet or greater and expected to produce conditions hazardous to small craft, according to the service. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in such conditions.