Weather advisory map via National Weather Service/NOAA

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a high surf advisory for the north facing shores of Hawaii Island until 6 a.m. Thursday (Dec 3.)

A low pressure storm system that tracked through the Aleutian Islands earlier in the week has sent a large north-northwest swell that will begin to arrive this evening.

Surf along north facing shores will build to 18-22 feet overnight and will peak Wednesday morning.

Coastal areas can expect strong breaking waves, shore breaks and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous.

Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should heed the advice given by ocean safety officials and be careful. Know your limits and when in doubt, don’t go out.

Boaters should expect recreational surfers and bodyboarders using harbor channels to access surfing areas.

A small craft advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday for waters around Hawaii Island.