High Surf — Oahu, Hawaii

2003-11-18 to 2003-11-26 · Oahu, Hawaii

Wider weather episode

A deep low northeast of Hawaii combined with a strong high far north of the state to produce surf of 10 to 25 feet, with some sets over 30 feet, along the east- and north-facing shores of all the islands. The large surf caused destruction of property; and closed beaches, schools and parks; primarily along the east shores of Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii. Break walls were damaged, some makeshift homes on the Big Island were destroyed and several homes on Kauai were evacuated, and roads near the shorelines were occasionally closed when inundated with water from the pounding surf. No serious injuries were reported, however. The dollar cost of total damages was not available.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5327815. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.