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Posted: Thursday, January 15th, 2009 4:40 AM HST

High wind, surf headed to Hawaii

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — Oahu's Leeward and North Shore beaches are to be closed this morning because of expected high winds and surf. Bellows and Waimanalo Bay beach parks on the Windward side will also be closed as a precaution against breaking tree limbs. Mayor Mufi Hannemann says the city plans to assist homeless campers move from beaches as a safety precaution. He says temporary shelters are planned at Waianae, Kaneohe, Waialua and Waimanalo district parks. A high surf warning remains in effect for all north and west shores. North shores are expected to get 25- to 35-foot waves overnight and 20- to 25-foot waves today. A high wind watch will be in effect for Kauai and Oahu from this evening through tomorrow afternoon. Wind gusts are forecast to reach as high as 50 to 60 miles per hour. (Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved)