National Weather Service warns of high surf, nuisance coastal flooding for Hawaiian islands
STAR-ADVERTISER / DECEMBER 2019
The National Weather Service today issued a high surf warning for north and west shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai, and north shores of Maui and Hawaii island until 6 p.m. This is Waimea Bay in 2019.
UPDATE: 4:45 p.m.
The National Weather Service has extended a high surf warning for north and west shores of Molokai and north shores of Maui and Hawaii island until 6 a.m. Monday.
A high surf advisory for north shores from Niihau to Oahu and the west shores of Maui is also in effect for the same period.
“Surf will gradually lower tonight as a large north-northwest to north swell moves through, with highest surf expected over the eastern portions of the state,” weather service officials said.
Surf of 20 to 25 feet is forecast for north and west facing shores of Molokai and north facing shores of Maui and the Big Island.
Waves of 8 to 12 feet are expected for the advisory areas.
In addition forecasters issued a special weather statement warning that “high astronomical tides and higher than predicted ocean water levels will combine to produce nuisance coastal flooding through Thursday morning.”
The nuisance flooding will occur around the time of high tide in the early-morning hours. Water levels will gradually lower Friday through the weekend, forecasters said.
They said flooding may occur on beaches that are normally dry, there may be minor coastal erosion, and salt water inundation of typically vulnerable low-lying roads, docks, boat ramps and other coastal infrastructure.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning for most islands today.
The warning covers north and west shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai and north shores of Maui and Hawaii island until 6 p.m.
A high surf advisory has also been issued for west shores of Maui, forecasters said.
Waves of 20 to 25 feet are expected along the north shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and the Big Island, while surf of 15 to 20 feet is forecast for the west shoes of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai.
Forecasters also said surf will be 8 to 12 feet on west shores of Maui until 6 p.m. today.
They warned that strong shore break and currents will make making swimming difficult and dangerous. “Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death,” the high surf warning said.
