High surf warnings issued for all islands

By Will Hoover
Advertiser Staff Writer

The National Weather Service issued a high surf warning yesterday afternoon for the northwest facing shores of O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i, Moloka'i and Lana'i.

The warning and advisories, which remain in effect throughout today, call for 30-foot wave highs on Kaua'i; 28-foot highs on O'ahu, Moloka'i, and Maui; 25-foot highs on Lana'i; and 22-foot highs on the Big Island.

The service also issued high surf advisories for the northwest facing shores of the Big Island and the west facing shores of all the islands.

Jeff Powell, National Weather Service lead forecaster in Hawai'i, said such warnings for all islands are unusual, but said it might be due in part to the service having expanded its reporting program.

"We've revamped and upgraded our surf program," said Powell. "We're getting multiple reports, not just from O'ahu, but from Neighbor Islands.

"There has been heightened interest recently in our surf program. So, we've decided that we can put more structure into these advisories and warnings now."

Powell said the surf is expected to diminish tomorrow. He said the high surf is the result of a storm northwest of the Hawaiian Island several days ago.

The warning advised people to avoid waters on the affected shores and take necessary action "to protect life and property." It also urged people to avoid the shore break due to rip currents and dangerous waves.

"Whenever you see an advisory or warning of any kind, people need to be extra cautious and be sure to check with lifeguards and check for posted hazard signs on the beaches before heading out into the water," said Jim Howe, chief of operations for the Ocean Safety Division of the Honolulu Emergency Service Department.