NWS: Cold front expected to bring high winds, high surf

A cold front will move in from the northwest early Thursday morning that will create weather conditions similar to those that occurred Monday and Tuesday.

According to the National Weather Service, high winds — potentially wind-advisory level — will begin Thursday morning and continue through Friday. Heavy showers and thunderstorms also are likely beginning Thursday.

A large swell is approaching from the northwest which, in conjunction with higher than normal tides, will create dangerous conditions for north-facing shores.

Due to these conditions, the NWS has issued a high surf advisory beginning Thursday morning at 6 a.m. for north-facing shores of Hawaii Island. Surf 12 feet to 18 feet high is anticipate along north-facing shores, and 8 feet to 14 feet along west-facing shores.

A coastal flood statement also is in effect from this evening through early Saturday morning, which means isolated coastal flooding is expected, including on beaches that are normally dry.

The cold front and weather conditions are forecast to dissipate by the weekend.

Meanwhile, the access road to the summit of Maunakea is closed to the public today at the Visitor Information Station at an elevation of 9,200 feet due to snow, ice, high humidity and below-freezing temperatures.

Rangers will continue to monitor the road and weather conditions and will reopen the road when the conditions are safe.