Big surf threatens north-facing shores

Waves reaching 24 feet could batter the North Shore

The highest surf of the year could pound the North Shore today, prompting Oahu Civil Defense Agency to caution beach-goers.

"This is the highest surf forecast of the 2006 season," said Bill Balfour, Oahu Civil Defense Agency administrator, in a news release. "We are concerned that our residents be aware of the hazards that surf of these heights can cause."

The National Weather Service issued yesterday a high surf warning in effect until 4 p.m. today. The warning includes the north-facing shores of Oahu, Niihau, Kauai, Molokai and Maui.

"It may actually peak sometime in the overnight hours to late morning," said Ray Tanabe, lead forecaster in Honolulu at the National Weather Service, yesterday.

Additionally, a high surf advisory for west-facing shores of Oahu is in effect until 4 p.m. Surf heights on the west-facing shores are expected to reach 14 to 18 feet today.

A storm north of the islands over the weekend generated strong winds that blow over long stretches of the ocean, causing the high surf from the northwest, Tanabe said.

The north- and west-facing shores "should keep seeing some elevated surf for the next few days," he said.

The National Weather Service issues a high-surf warning when waves could reach a full face height of 25 feet or more. High surf advisories are issued when waves could reach a full-face wave height of 15 to 24 feet.

Volunteers with the Civil Defense were to head out at 4 a.m. to patrol the affected areas, looking for damages to roads and homes.

John Cummings, spokesman for Oahu Civil Defense, said high surf could damage houses on the coast, cause road closures from debris on the road, and sweep away people on the shoreline. He added that drivers need to be cautious of more pedestrians in the area trying to view the high surf.

At Haleiwa Beach Park, surf heights were in the 4- to 8-foot range yesterday afternoon.

"Typical for this time of year," said Lt. John Hoogsteden, a lifeguard with the city Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division.

At Ehukai Beach, surfer Ash Marzouki, of Waimea Valley, watched the waves before heading out to surf. "For this season, it's kind of average," he said. He estimated the wave heights were 2 to 4 feet and would be more comfortable with 10 foot waves.

The higher waves made for a good day of surfing at the third day of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing on Sunset Beach.

Nuno Jonet, an announcer of the event, said the waves were rising throughout the day and had reached 10 to 12 foot faces by the end of the day.

"Very Hawaiian-style. It was the best we could hope for," Jonet said. "Picture perfect."

Jordy Smith, runner-up in the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing, part of the Vans Triple Crown, said, "The waves were tough and kind of powerful."

TIPS ON STAYING SAFE NEAR SURF Oahu Civil Defense advises residents to take the following precautions during hazardous surf conditions: » In affected areas, stay out of the water and away from peninsulas and areas overlooking the ocean. » Be aware of sudden changes in ocean behavior. » Motorists driving along the North Shore should use caution because roads can become blocked with sand and debris. Past high surf has forced closures at Laniakea and Chun's Reef. » Prepare to protect property from hazardous conditions or to evacuate to a safer location. » In the event of an evacuation due to hazardous surf conditions, seek homes away from the coast or shelters that will be announced on local radio of TV stations. » Listen to the radio or television for specific Civil Defense precautionary information and instructions. » Call 911 if you have high surf or other emergencies.