North shores could see surf up to 55 feet
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM
The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning as a fast moving cold front and a very large northwest swell approaches the islands.
Hazardous surf, expected to reach up to 45 to 55 feet today, forced the closure of three North Shore beaches this morning.
The city announced the closure of Haleiwa Alii Beach Park, Haleiwa Beach Park and Waimea Bay just before 10:30 a.m.
Strong northwest winds and a huge swell moving in from the northwest are expected to produce deadly surf conditions along the north and west shores of most islands through early Tuesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, surf as high as 45 to 55 feet could threaten lives and damage roads and homes along north and west shores.
The swell “will generate life-threatening surf along most north and west-facing shores of the smaller islands through early Tuesday morning. These conditions will spread to north-facing shores of the Big Island today,” the weather service said.
A high surf warning was issued Sunday evening, effective through 6 a.m. Tuesday, for the north and west shores of Kauai and Niihau, the north shores of Oahu, Hawaii island, Molokai, Maui and the west-facing shores of Oahu and Molokai, and is in effect through 6 a.m. Tuesday.
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According to the weather service, near-hurricane force winds will translate to rapidly building seas today. Hurricanes start out at 74 mph.
Western shores may see surf from 25 to 35 feet, officials said. The surf could also wrap around to exposed areas on east shores.
The northwest swell may also arriving about the same time as a cold front which will shift winds to the northwest. The winds could also bring waves further inland.
Forecasters report a “high likelihood” of water periodically overrunning roadways such as Laniakea Beach and Dillingham Airfield.
The surf conditions doesn’t appear to be ideal for The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau big wave surf contest. The contest remains on standby.
Forecasters are watching another swell that could arrive Wednesday or Thursday and generate Eddie-sized waves of 40 feet.
13 responses to “North shores could see surf up to 55 feet”
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Where’s the Eddie?
After last time, they don’t want to have another premature edification. One public embarrassing mess seen by everyone around the world was enough for everyone.
Oh come on, little dramatic, don’t you think? It’s not like you can set an appointment with the waves and expect them to show up on time. Nature does what it wants. I’m sure the vast majority of folks, while disappointed, took it with a grain of salt and just enjoyed their day.
That’s the nature of the Eddie! I am sure it was not embarrassing in any way…
And today’s waves are a nasty mess, so not suitable.
WE don’t need Quicksilver to conduct THE EDDIE! How about “THE OFFICIAL-UNOFFICIAL EDDIE”? EDDIE didn’t need PRESS AND SPONSORS TO RIDE THE BIG ONES… IMUA!
Don’t need competition let them ride!
eddie needs good conditions (not windy). if the current wind conditions persist, it would be suicide to go into the water
Yeah, they said the waves would be too choppy to hold the event even it it hits 50+ feet. Probably will endanger not only the contestants, but also the lifeguards.
Try selling your beachfront house on the North Shore this weekend.
It’s beautiful 364 days of the year, whats one day????
hawn. Your house must be protected by angels.
This kind of waves is better to stay on shore and watch. Who knows it might not come as you can’t predict weather it can change at any time.Would like to see video of the waves if it get to that height.
Blame el-nino, NOT Fukushima. Dont say it! You will offend the majority of Hawaii’s people, if you Say Fukushima.