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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, January 4, 2010

New swell bringing big waves


Advertiser Staff

The National Weather Service says a new west-northwest swell will bring advisory-level surf to north- and west-facing shores through today.

A high-surf advisory is in effect for north- and west-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and Maui until 6 tonight.
“Open ocean swell heights are forecast by the wave watch model to be up to near 20 feet near Kauai and slightly lower on down to Maui County,” the weather service said this morning in its state forecast discussion.
“With this swell having a more westerly component than the large swells over the past several weeks, the Kona side of the Big Island will likely see its largest waves so far this winter season.
“Swell heights off the Kona coast are forecast to reach 10 feet. Swell shadowing downstream of Kauai will block some coasts of Oahu and Maui county (and) vary wave heights greatly from place to place. This swell will be long lasting with warning level surf extending through Thursday.”
Meanwhile, Kona winds are expected to carry vog across most of the state through Wednesday, the National Weather Service said today.
Highs will be in the low 80s today with winds from 10 mph to 20 mph.
Trade winds should return Thursday and Friday.