Surf's Up In Hawaii - Waves Up To 50 Feet On North Shore (!) [View All]

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HONOLULU, Hawaii, December 15, 2004 (ENS) - Many of the world's greatest surfing champions are gathered on Oahu's North Shore for the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters competition, but while they live for big waves, the surf pounding in today may force a postponement of the contest as it did on Monday.

The National Weather Service early this morning issued an urgent high surf warning for the north and west facing shores of Oahu, combined with a high tide. In addition, a very large and dangerous northwest swell continues to build across the Hawaiian Islands, the weather service said. Forecasters are predicting surf heights of 35 to 50 feet along north facing shores today, and waves are forecast to reach heights of 20 to 30 feet along west facing shores.

The surf will be large enough to wash over coastal roads and damage property along parts of affected shorelines, especially near the time of high tide at six this morning. Forecasters are warning residents and visitors alike to avoid the North Shore for their own safety.

"Don't come to the North Shore and expect be going for a big walk on the beach tomorrow," Honolulu City and County lifeguard John Hoogsteden told KHON TV last night."

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