High Surf Warning

...HIGH SURF WARNING FOR SOUTH FACING SHORES OF ALL ISLANDS THROUGH TUESDAY... ...HIGH SURF WARNING FOR WEST FACING SHORES OF BIG ISLAND THROUGH TUESDAY... ...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR EAST FACING SHORES OF ALL ISLANDS THROUGH TUESDAY...

.South-southwest swell from Hurricane Lowell will continue to build rapidly, and peak tonight as it shifts out of the southwest. As a result, warning level surf along south facing shores will continue to rise, peaking overnight. Due to the track of Lowell west of the main islands, a sharp gradient in swell is expected from west to east. This will bring damaging surf to portions of Kauai County and likely Oahu, with the potential for significant damage to coastal properties and infrastructure, particularly to those areas along the coasts of Kauai and Oahu exposed to the southerly swell. The hurricane swell energy is expected to rapidly decline on Tuesday as Lowell moves away from the islands.

A large, medium-period east swell from former Tropical Storm Karina will combine with increasing east to southeast wind wave generated by Hurricane Lowell to keep advisory level surf along east facing shores through Tuesday.

* WHAT...Surf will continue to rapidly build to 20 to 30 feet, peaking overnight.

* WHERE...South facing shores of Kauai and Niihau.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Extreme...Expect ocean water surging and sweeping over beaches, coastal benches, and roadways, creating the potential for significant damage to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways. Coastal evacuations and road closures are possible. Large breaking waves may affect harbor entrances and channels with significant damage possible to docks, piers, ramps, and boats.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Vulnerable coastal roadways from Poipu to Kekaha are susceptible to overwash, with Lawai Road at a particular risk for overwash.