A high surf warning will remain in effect for east-facing shores through Thursday evening as waves build to between 12 and 18 feet.
A high surf warning will remain in effect for east-facing shores through Thursday evening as waves build to between 12 and 18 feet.
Swells will peak today with elevated surf possible at least through the weekend, the National Weather Service said.
The high surf is being attributed to hurricanes Ignacio, which was downgraded to a tropical storm Tuesday afternoon, and Jimena, which are bypassing the Big Island to the north and east.
The weather service said high surf could flood beaches and coastal roadways. It also can create dangerous rip tides.
On Tuesday, large waves prompted the closure of Bayfront Highway and several beach parks in Hilo.
The closed parks were:
• Coconut Island.
• Onekahakaha.
• James Kealoha.
• Leileiwi.
• Bayfront.
Laupahoehoe Boat Ramp also was closed. The closures could continue through today depending on conditions.
The warning is set to lapse at 6 p.m. Thursday, though the weather service cautioned this might be extended.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.