A high surf warning goes into effect at noon Friday ahead of a “life threatening” swell expected to impact west-facing shores of the Kohala, Kona and Ka’u coasts through early Saturday.
The west-northwest swell, which National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu said was coming from a more westerly direction, was expected to begin hitting the Hawaiian Islands Thursday night. Forecasters expected 2- to 4-foot waves Friday morning that were expected to rise to 6- to 9-footers by the afternoon. Friday night through early Saturday, forecasters expect wave heights to be between 8 and 12 feet.
Forecasters also noted that they expect waves to splash onto some coastal roads, including Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona. A 2.5-foot high tide is expected around 5:30-6 a.m. Friday and followed by a 1.25-foot high tide around 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration calls for a 2.5-foot high tide around 6 a.m. followed by a 1.25-foot high tide around 5:30 p.m.
They categorized the surf’s impact as “high,” cautioning of ocean water surging and sweeping across beaches, coastal benches and lava flows, which could impact coastal property, including roadways. Powerful longshore and rip currents will be present at most beaches. The current may also impact harbor entrances and channels making handling boats difficult.
The warning will remain in effect until at least 6 a.m. Saturday.