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...For south facing shores, surf will continue to rapidly build to 15 to 25 feet for Oahu, 12 to 20 feet for Maui County, and 12 to 16 feet for the Big Island. For west facing shores of the Big Island, surf building to 12 to 16 feet. Surf is expected to peak overnight.

* WHERE...South facing shores of Kahoolawe, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu and the Big Island. West facing shores of the Big Island.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Very High...Expect ocean water surging and sweeping across beaches, coastal benches, and lava flows creating the potential for impacts to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways. Powerful longshore and rip currents will be present at most beaches. Large breaking waves and strong currents may impact harbor entrances and channels causing challenging boat handling.