Ocean Safety personnel closed North Shore beaches yesterday from Hanalei Pavilion and heading west to Polihale, due to wind-ravaged storm surf and wave faces reported to be 15 to 25 feet. Kalani Vierra, Kaua’i Fire Department ocean safety supervisor, said
Ocean Safety personnel closed North Shore beaches yesterday from Hanalei Pavilion and heading west to Polihale, due to wind-ravaged storm surf and wave faces reported to be 15 to 25 feet.
Kalani Vierra, Kaua’i Fire Department ocean safety supervisor, said “monster mush” waves in the 20- to 25-foot range were reported in Ha’ena yesterday afternoon, and that the swell was to peak last night.
He added that “really dangerous conditions” persisted all the way to the east side, where Kealia Beach lifeguards were reporting six- to 10-foot faces.
“We advise that anybody wishing to enter the ocean check with the lfeguards,” he said.
At 12 p.m. yesterday, the National Weather Service issued a high surf warning for the east and northeast facing shores, as surf was expected to climb into the 10 to 15 foot range by today. A high surf advisory was also in effect yesterday for all north-facing shores.
The swell will gradually subside by Sunday.
The north and northwest-facing beaches will be closed until 9 a.m. today, when lifeguards will re-evaluate conditions, said Vierra.
Even surf in Kalapaki Bay was larger than normal, as three- to five-foot faces were observed.
The public’s cooperation in heeding this safety advisory is appreciated.
