Posted at 2:05 a.m., Sunday, January 5, 2003
North Shore residents told to evacuate homes
Advertiser Staff
North Shore residents were told to evacuate their homes early today after high surf damaged a cottage on Ke Nui Road, officials said.
The O'ahu Civil Defense Agency ordered evacuation around 12:30 a.m. Agency spokesman John Cummings said residents on Ke Nui Road, Ke Waena Road and Ke Iki Road should evacuate.
The American Red Cross opened shelters at Liliuokalani Protestant Church in Haleiwa, Sunset Beach Church of Christ and Waialua District Park, Cummings said.
In an issued statement, the defense agency said residents who evacuate to a shelter should be sure to take essentials and a shelter kit containing non-perishable food, clothing, water, special medications, a battery operated radio, flashlight, spare batteries, and sleeping bags or blankets.
Motorists who travel in the area should be cautious and be alert to wave action.
The civil defense agency late last night had advised residents along the northwest-facing shores of O'ahu and Kaua'i to prepare for possible evacuation because of possible flooding of coastal areas.
Surf heights for Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i were forecast for 25 to 35 feet, with sets to 45 feet, the National Weather Service said. The Big Island was predicted to get 12- to 18-foot surf, with sets up to 25 feet.
Residents were advised to take necessary precautions to protect life and property.
Beachgoers along the affected shores should stay out of the water and well away from the shore break, the weather service said.
