High surf warning issued as waves of up to 25 feet hit north shores
2012 DECEMBER 25 CTY - A bodyboarder launches off a close-out at Pipeline on the North Shore. Tuesday, December 25, 2012. PHOTO BY CHAD K. UYENO / SPECIAL TO THE HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER
2012 DECEMBER 25 CTY - Beachgoers view the waves behind cautionary tape at Pipeline on Tuesday, December 25, 2012. PHOTO BY CHAD K. UYENO / SPECIAL TO THE HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER
2012 DECEMBER 25 CTY - A surfer pulls under the curtain at Pipeline on Tuesday, December 25, 2012. PHOTO BY CHAD K. UYENO / SPECIAL TO THE HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER
2012 DECEMBER 25 CTY - A bodyboarder prepares to ride the tube at Pipeline on the North Shore. Tuesday, December 25, 2012. PHOTO BY CHAD K. UYENO / SPECIAL TO THE HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER
The National Weather Service has posted a high surf warning for north-facing shores of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Kauai and Niihau because of potentially dangerous waves.
Forecasters expect waves with 20- to 25-foot faces in the warning areas.
The warning also extends to west shores of Kauai, Niihau and Molokai.
A high surf advisory is also in effect for west shores of Oahu and north shores of Hawaii island.
West shores could reach heights of 10- to 15-feet today, forecasters say.
The warning is posted until 6 a.m. Wednesday.
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The swell, generated by a storm with gale force winds last week in the north Pacific, is expected to peak today and lower through Wednesday morning.
Another storm could bring similar-sized waves on Thursday, forecasters say.
Forecasters warn that large, battering waves will pound the shoreline. Swimming could be dangerous because of strong, and potentially deadly, rip currents.
Beach-goers are urged to stay out of the water and well away from the shore break.
