Large northwest swell could cause Hawaii coastal flooding and harbor damage, forecasters warn

The National Weather Service in Honolulu says that a large northwest swell will drive surf heights on north and west shores of all islands well above warning levels late Tuesday through Wednesday.

“A combination of water levels running higher than predicted and the swell’s peak potentially coinciding with the daily high tide early Wednesday morning could lead to coastal and harbor impacts,” according to a special weather statement from weather service forecasters. “Significant beach erosion with water reaching vulnerable low-lying coastal roadways will be possible.”

The weather service said a “hurricane force low,” far northwest of the state, will produce the large swell that will affect the state.

Forecasters warn that large surges in exposed harbors could lead to currents strong enough to damage infrastructure due to the jostling of boats and docks, and “very large breaking waves near harbor entrances” are expected.