‘Giant’ waves hit Penang Esplanade

GEORGE TOWN: Strong west-southwesterly winds have whipped up waves crashing on the retaining walls and causing huge splashes at the Esplanade here. 

The giant waves reached higher than the lamp posts, causing sea water to spill onto the road, resulting in flash floods along Jalan Tun Syed Syeh Barakhbah on Monday. 

Pedestrians were seen recording the rare phenomenon while vehicles moved slowly as the waves splashed over the retaining wall.

According to the Meteorological Department’s website, the strong west-southwesterly winds of 40kmph to 50kmph are causing waves up to 3.5m high over the waters off Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Miri, Sabah and Labuan. 

The phenomenon is expected to last until next Sunday - The Star online