High Surf Forces Closure of Hookipa Beach
PAIA, Maui, Hi.- At 10:00 a.m. this morning, the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation closed Hookipa Beach Park due to high surf. Water from waves estimated to be 20 – 25 ft began to reach the park pavilion area, causing park officials to decide to temporarily close the park. The parking lot located above the park area remains open. As the tide drops today the closure will be reassessed.
There is a high surf warning in effect for the north and west facing shores of Maui and Molokai until 6 p.m. Saturday.
A High Surf Warning indicates that dangerous, battering waves will pound the shoreline. This will result in dangerous swimming conditions, deadly rip currents, and severe beach erosion.
EFFECTS: Â Surf along north facing shores of Molokai and Maui will be 30 to 40 feet with locally higher sets on the outer reefs today. The surf will be smaller Saturday.
Surf along west facing shores of Molokai will be 20 to 30 feet with locally higher sets on outer reefs today. The surf will be smaller Saturday.
Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves.
A high tide of approximately 1.8 feet is expected between 7:15 a.m. and 8:33 a.m. this morning. Â The next high tide of approximately .2 feet is expected between 11:46 p.m. tonight and 3:02 a.m. tomorrow morning.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: Â BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS.
INFORMATION: Â Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Â Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. Â NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025.
NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov.
Sponsored Content
