PO‘IPU — Following three days of blustery weather, the sun broke through Friday, attracting a large crowd of visitors to the beaches. Combined with the re-emergence of the sun, rough and choppy surf, created by the presence of strong trades
PO‘IPU — Following three days of blustery weather, the sun broke through Friday, attracting a large crowd of visitors to the beaches.
Combined with the re-emergence of the sun, rough and choppy surf, created by the presence of strong trades pushed surfers to take advantage of wind-blown, but rideable waves on Kaua‘i’s sunny South Shore.
Kaua‘i Explorer website warns beach-goers to expect rough conditions, currents and surf on the island’s North, East and South facing shores through the weekend.
The outlook to Monday indicates more Northwest surf building, as well as easterly winds and choppy wind-swell building.
The National Weather Service, indicating strong trade winds will cause surf to rise along East facing shores of Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Moloka‘i, Maui and the Big Island, issued a high surf advisory which remains in effect until 6 p.m., Sunday.
Additionally, the NWS issued a high wind advisory for all the Hawaiian Islands and a high wind warning for the Haleakala, Maui, summit area. The wind advisory is in effect until 6 p.m., Saturday.
The NWS forecasts winds from 20 to 35 mph on East facing locations with localized gusts to more than 50 mph. Winds of this magnitude can bring down tree branches, produce local power outages and create difficult driving conditions. Motorists should also exercise extra caution while driving.
The NWS forecasts surf rising to 6 to 9 feet along the East facing shores, Friday night and remaining elevated through the weekend.
People can expect strong breaking waves and shore breaks with strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous.
The Kaua‘i Ocean Report on the Kaua‘i Explorer website cautions beach-goers at exposed North, East and South shore locations because of these conditions.
Consult lifeguards before entering the water, the website states. When in doubt, don’t go out.
