High surf, wind advisories in effect for most isles; fire weather watch begins Friday
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
A large wave crashes onto the shore at Banzai Pipeline, in December 2022, on Oahu’s North Shore. The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory for the north- and west-facing shores of most isles, including Oahu, effective until 6 p.m. Thursday.
6 p.m. UPDATE
The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for the leeward areas of all Hawaiian isles, starting Friday morning.
“The combination of dry fuels, low relative humidity and strong trade winds could bring critical fire weather conditions for leeward sections of the state during the day Friday,” said weather officials.
Northeast to east winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, combined with relative humidity as low as 40% to 50% prompted the fire weather watch, which is effective from Friday morning to Friday afternoon.
A fire weather watch mans critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Should a red flag warning be issued, NWS said, outdoor burning is not recommended.
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The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory for the north- and west-facing shores of most isles, including Oahu, effective until 6 p.m. Thursday.
The advisory covers the north and west shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai and the north shores of Maui.
Forecasters say a large, long-period northwest swell built overnight into advisory levels this morning, and is expected to rise quickly and peak near warning thresholds later today.
Surf of 12 to 24 feet is expected along exposed, north-facing shores, and surf of 10 to 18 feet along exposed, west-facing shores.
The public should beware of large, breaking waves and strong currents, which will make swimming dangerous.
“Heed all advice from ocean safety officials,” said NWS. “When in doubt, don’t go out.”
A wind advisory is also in effect for portions of Kahoolawe, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and Hawaii island, due to east winds of 20 to 30 mph, with higher gusts, through 6 p.m. Thursday.
“Winds this strong can tear off shingles, knock down tree branches, blow away tents and awnings and make it difficult to steer, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles,” said NWS. “Watch out for falling tree branches when walking or driving. Make sure tents and awnings are secure or take them down. Be prepared for power outages.”
A small craft advisory is also in place for all Hawaiian coastal waters through 6 a.m. Friday.
