Kauai reports hazardous surf, Oahu's North Shore not so much
Advertiser Staff
High surf and hazardous ocean conditions are being reported on Kauai, from Kekaha on the west side to Hanalei on the north shore, the county said today.
Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau superviser Kalani Vierra is urging swimmers and snorkelers to go to sheltered beaches such as Kealia, Lydgate, Poipu or Salt Pond.
A high-surf warning remains in effect for north- and west-facing shores across the state until 6 a.m. tomorrow.
The National Weather Service says a west-northwest swell moving down the island chain will generate surf of up to 35 feet before diminishing overnight.
A small-craft advisory also remains in effect for all Hawaii waters.
On Oahu’s North Shore, lifeguards were reporting wave heights of 15 to 17 feet this morning.
Bryan Cheplic of the city’s Emergency Services Department said the surf was similar to yesterday, but that conditions were much cleaner today with the return of trade winds and that many people were in the water.
No rescues or assists were made, but 820 verbal warnings were issued on the North Shore from Haleiwa to Sunset Beach and the west side from Nanakuli Beach to Makaha Beach as of 2 p.m. today, Cheplic said.
Cheplic said lifeguards are continuing to urge caution, even though the waves aren’t as big as forecast.
The city’s Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division provides a recorded report on beach conditions at 922-3888, ext. 51.
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