The Maui News

Rough seas and high surf of up to 24 feet are expected for Maui County waters through tonight.

The National Weather Service also posted a high-wind advisory for Lanai and Kahoolawe and a gale warning for the Alenuihaha Channel, between Hawaii island and Maui; Pailolo Channel, between Maui and Molokai; and Maalaea Bay.

Northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are expected with the strongest winds predicted over ridges of Kahoolawe and Lanai, the weather service said. The wind advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. today.

Motorists are advised to drive with caution and residents should secure loose items on their property.

The gale warning in the channels are posted until 6 p.m. today with east winds of 29 to 40 mph. Seas are expected to build to 10 to 17 feet. Strong winds and hazardous seas could capsize or damage vessels.

There also is a small-craft advisory in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday for Maui County waters. Winds are expected to blow 23 to 35 mph with seas of 8 to 14 feet.

The north shores of Maui and Molokai and west shores of Molokai will see high surf, 18 to 24 feet along north shores and 14 to 18 feet along west shores, the weather service said. A high-surf advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. today.

Strong breaking waves and shore break are expected. Longshore and rip currents will make swimming difficult and dangerous.

The forecast for today is breezy with mostly sunny skies and isolated showers for the central valley of Maui. Northeast winds should blow 15 to 25 mph; there is a 20 percent chance of rain.

High temperatures are expected to peak at 84 degrees with overnight lows of 65 to 70 degrees.