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 is expected to rise rapidly today and peak tonight, bringing warning level surf to south facing shores. This swell may shift out of the southwest by tonight. A sharp gradient in swell is expected from west to east, with damaging surf for portions of Kauai County and possibly Oahu. Swell energy is expected to rapidly decline on Tuesday, though advisory level surf may persist through Tuesday morning.

A large, medium-period east swell from former Tropical Storm Karina will also persist through Tuesday and combine with increasing east to southeast wind swell from Hurricane Lowell, producing advisory level surf along east facing shores.

* WHAT...Surf of 7 to 10 feet rapidly building to 20 to 30 feet Monday afternoon and evening.

* 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.