Strong East Winds and 8-12-Foot Surf Prompt Kauai Advisories

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu placed Kauai under a Wind Advisory and included the island’s east-facing shores in a High Surf Advisory as trade winds strengthen. The wind advisory for Kauai calls for east winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts over 50 mph and remains in effect until 6 AM HST Monday, Feb. 16. The high surf advisory for eastern and southeastern shorelines of Kauaʻi is in effect through 6 AM HST Tuesday, Feb. 17.

The wind advisory warns that higher terrain, mountain passes and areas immediately south and west of the mountains are most at risk from the gusts. Officials note the expected impacts in the advisory: "Winds this strong can tear off shingles, knock down tree branches, blow away tents and awnings and make it difficult to steer, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles." Gusts over 50 mph have been reported in higher terrain and remain a concern for property and travel on Island roads.

East-facing shorelines are forecast to see large, breaking surf that will make ocean recreation hazardous. "A high surf advisory means surf will be higher than normal. Strong breaking waves and strong currents also will make swimming and other ocean activities dangerous," the advisory states. Forecasters say large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet are forecast, rising to surf of 8 to 12 feet by late Sunday into Sunday night for eastern shores of Kauai. National Weather Service discussion notes the short-period surge is driven by strengthening trade winds.

Marine notices extend beyond the shoreline advisories. A Small Craft Advisory covers all Hawaiian waters, coastal waters and channels, and Gale Warnings are in effect for the Pailolo Channel and the Alenuihaha Channel. Recreational users should expect rough conditions: sailing reports indicate strong E-ENE trades of 20-35+ mph that are "good for the more experienced," while diving assessments list east-shore conditions as poor to fair, with better opportunities inside protected zones.

Forecasters and local outlets say the trades will strengthen another notch Sunday, Feb. 15, and winds are expected to stay strong through the middle of next week, so the wind advisory could be extended. Hawaii-area forecasts warn that east shore surf could reach warning levels Monday and Tuesday on Kauai and Oahu before slowly declining Tuesday into Wednesday, though surf will remain somewhat elevated through the remainder of the week.

Residents and visitors are urged to follow ocean safety officials and local advisories. "When in doubt, don't go out," National Weather Service forecasters advised. For updates, monitor advisories from NWS Honolulu and check with Kauai ocean safety personnel before heading to beaches, mountain passes or coastal roads.