PORTLAND, Ore. (NEWSnet/AP) — National Weather Service has issued high surf warnings for much of the West Coast and parts of Hawaii.

NWS said the waves and rip currents expected to hit some coastlines are potentially life-threatening.

The warnings were in place Wednesday for parts of Oregon and Hawaii. The weather service warned that waves of up to 25 feet during the day could morph into “dangerously large breaking waves” of up to 35 feet along Oregon’s southern coast by night, creating hazardous conditions and the potential for significant beach erosion.

In Hawaii, the agency expected high surf between roughly 20 and 30 feet and powerful rip currents to affect the northern and western shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu and Molokai and the north shore of Maui. It warned of ocean water surging and sweeping across beaches and potentially damaging roadways and coastal infrastructure.

The high surf warning was set to be in place until late Thursday in southern Oregon and until early Friday in Hawaii.

A coastal flood advisory also was in effect Wednesday morning through the afternoon for much of the Washington state coastline.

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