Winter Storm in Hawai‘i
Winter Storm in Hawai‘i
Posted February 26, 2019A strong low pressure system with an exceptionally close approach to the Hawaiian Islands chain, caused record-breaking wave heights on February 10th. The PacIOOS wave buoy off Hanalei, Kauaʻi, measured 38ft in significant wave height and the largest wave recorded (Hmax) measured stunning 63ft! The Waimea wave buoy also broke its 15-year record and climbed to a significant wave height of 29ft, and the largest wave measured 48ft. Both buoys are located approximately 4 miles offshore and moored in a depth of 200-240m.
Significant wave height measured by the Hanalei, Kauaʻi, wave buoy. On February 10th, the buoy peaked at 38ft in significant wave height.
The combination of strong winds and high waves produced extremely rough ocean conditions at sea and along the shoreline. PacIOOS’ suite of coastal forecasts, including the Wave Run-up Forecast for the North Shore of Oʻahu and the Haleʻiwa Harbor Surge Forecast, provided valuable information for agencies, the boating community, and home owners to better understand what to expect and to prepare for the storm system.
Photo Credit: DLNR
