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Competition named after champion surfer Eddie Aikau is held only when waves in Waimea Bay top 30ft
A rare surfing event, the Eddie, took place in Hawaii last week, thanks to some giant waves.
Formed about a week ago in the north Pacific Ocean, the waves emerged as a low-pressure system produced an exceptionally large swell. They went on to hit Hawaii, enabling the Eddie to take place for just the 11th time in its 40-year history.
Named in memory of the champion big-wave surfer and lifeguard Eddie Aikau, the competition requires that waves in Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu, where the event is held, top 9 metres (30ft).
The waves went on to hit Peru, leading to three-quarters of ports closing. By this time the waves were not as big but still peaking at almost 3 metres, so had lots of power and energy behind them, causing damage to boats and homes.
Over the weekend, severe thunderstorms and multiple tornadoes touched down in US states including Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, killing at least two people and injuring a further four.
More than 68,000 power outages were recorded in Mississippi, with Alabama, Louisiana and Texas recording about 75,000 between them on Saturday.
Warnings were extended to more than a dozen states on Sunday, with further severe thunderstorms, damaging gusts, isolated tornadoes and hail. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to clear north-eastwards across the mid-Atlantic region of the US early this week.
Meanwhile in Iceland, temperatures are forecast to plunge about 15-20C below the climate average this week, with the country’s largest utility company, Veitur, warning that restrictions may be placed on hot water use.
Under a more northerly regime, daily maximum temperatures will fail to rise above 0C across much of the country. The capital, Reykjavik, is expecting a maximum temperature of -5C until at least Wednesday, and minimum temperatures could fall to about -15-20C each night, about 10-15C below the average for this time of year.
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Norway is facing warnings for wind and snow after an area of low pressure moved in from the west last week. About 30-60cm of snow is likely to fall within 24 hours across the district of Helgeland. Coastal parts of the region can expect brisk winds, with speeds of 40-50mph possible, leading to blizzard conditions.
Meanwhile in the southern hemisphere, parts of Australia are preparing for temperatures to soar, with heat warnings issued for Queensland and the Northern Territory. Perth residents can expect to swelter in maximum temperatures into the low 40s on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, just over 10C above average.
Weather tracker: Giant waves bring rare surfing event to Hawaii
