Tsunami Advisory CANCELED; Road Updates issued for Maui

By Wendy Osher

Kahului Harbor, Friday, March 11, 2011. By Wendy Osher.

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z_vdGJtUyQ /] *** Supporting info courtesy NWS

(Update: 11:40 a.m. 3/11/11)

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu has CANCELLED the Tsunami Advisory effective at 11:26 a.m. this morning.

EFFECTS:  Based on available data there is no longer a destructive Tsunami threat to Maui County.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:  Tsunami wave heights across the State of Hawaii are now below advisory levels and are continuing to diminish.  Based on all available data the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is now cancelling the tsunami advisory.  Smaller sea level changes and strong or unusual currents may persist for several additional hours and appropriate caution should be exercised by boaters and swimmers.

(Update: 11:34 a.m. 3/11/11)

(Update: 10:50 a.m. 3/11/11)

Image courtesy USGS.

Country crews continue debris removal and maintenance work at several island locations following a series of tsunami waves overnight and into the morning hours.  The activity was generated by a large quake of Honsh, Japan that has since been upgraded to 9.1 in magnitude.  The first waves began arriving in Kahului at around 3:23 a.m., with several subsequent waves measuring in excess of 6 feet occurring into the morning hours.  At around 5:40 a.m., there was significant wave activity reported at various locations around the county including wave run-up on Puunene Avenue all the way to the Wallgreens Store, a nine foot surge at Lahaina Harbor, and significant water recession from Kihei and Maalaea Harbors.

On the roadways, closures that remain in effect at last report as of 10:37 a.m.  include the following:

• Lower Waiehu Beach Road
• Kahului Beach Road (Kaahumanu to Waiehu Beach Rd)
• Lono Ave. (Kaahumanu to Kamehameha Ave.)
• Puunene (Kaahumanu to Kamehameha Ave.)
• Kaahumanu between Wakea & Hana Hwy.)
• South Kihei Road (Kulanihakoi to Kaonoulu)

The Honoapiilani Highway, Highway 30, was reopened in both directions shortly after 9 a.m.

Power was fully restored to all parts of Maui County as of 9:15 a.m. and released those who had sought shelter at county evacuation centers.

At 9:51 a.m., The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center continued a Tsunami ADVISORY for the Hawaiian Islands.  The Warning level status was downgraded to an advisory at 7:30 a.m.