A powerful wave surged over an oceanfront condo building in Keauhou on Hawaii’s Big Island, tearing shingles from the roof as high surf and King Tides battered the coastline.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A powerful wave crashed over the roof of an oceanfront condominium building in Keauhou on Hawaii’s Big Island, stripping shingles from the structure as large south swells pounded the coastline.
The wave hit the Keauhou-Kona Surf and Racquet Club on Sunday during a period of hazardous surf conditions, according to FOX Weather.
Video from the scene showed water surging up and over the coastal condo building with enough force to tear roofing material loose. People nearby could be heard reacting as the wave broke over the complex and poured down from the roof.
The National Weather Service initially issued a High Surf Advisory for the area before upgrading it to a High Surf Warning as conditions worsened.
Forecasters warned that a south-southwest swell, combined with seasonal King Tides, would create dangerous surf, strong currents and large breaking waves of 10 to 15 feet.
The impact at the Keauhou-Kona Surf and Racquet Club showed the strength of the swell as the water climbed above the shoreline structure and struck the roof directly.
The event also underscored the danger posed by large surf events in coastal areas, particularly when powerful swells coincide with higher-than-normal tides.
A separate video posted online showed the wave crashing into the building as onlookers watched the water sweep across the roof and damage shingles.
No injuries were reported based on the information provided.
The incident drew attention because of the unusual height and force of the wave, which reached beyond the seawall and shoreline and climbed over the condo complex itself.
Officials had warned residents and visitors to stay away from exposed shorelines during the high surf event because breaking waves and strong currents can create life-threatening conditions.
Keauhou, located on the Kona coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, is known for its oceanfront properties and coastal views, but the powerful swell served as a reminder of how quickly dangerous surf can threaten buildings close to the water.
The damaged roof at the condo complex became one of the most visible examples of the impact from the south swell and King Tide combination.
Original article
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