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...For south facing shores, surf of 7 to 10 feet rapidly building Monday afternoon and evening up 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 of 6 to 8 feet rapidly building Monday afternoon and evening to 12 to 16 feet.

* 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.