King Tides Expected This Week; Coastal Flooding Possible

The National Weather Service today issued a special weather statement about the arrival of the King Tides over the next few days that could result in coastal flooding.

The coastal flooding could occur along all of the Hawaiian Islands especially along south facing shores due to the elevated surf.

The potential impacts include flooding of beaches that are normally dry due to a combination of wave run-up from the surf along south facing shores and higher than normal water levels. Low-lying roads, docks, boat ramps and other coastal infrastructure could also be inundated.

The best chance for coastal flooding impacts will be through the afternoon periods around the times of the peak daily tides.

The following are the predicted high tide times for Kaua‘i, which corresponds to the maximum coastal impact:

• Hanalei Bay – Friday, June 23, 2:57 p.m. and Saturday, June 24, 3:41 p.m.
• Hanamā‘ulu Bay – Friday, June 23, 4:08 p.m. and Saturday, June 24, 4:52 p.m.
• Nāwiliwili Harbor – Friday, June 23, 3:58 p.m. and Saturday, June 24, 4:42 p.m.
• Port Allen/Hanapēpē Bay – Friday, June 23, 3:46 p.m. and Saturday, June 24, 4:29 p.m.
• Waimea Bay – Friday, June 23, 4:05 p.m. and Saturday, June 24, 4:49 p.m.

The potential for coastal flooding will begin to lower later in the weekend and early next week as the peak daily tides and surf steadily trend down.

If you live or work in a low-lying area that is prone to flooding from the tides, it is recommended that you move electronics and other belongings to a higher area.

Businesses and residents should move chemicals and hazardous materials out of flood prone areas

Beachgoers should be aware that there is a possibility of stronger than normal currents and rip currents, and should check with a lifeguard prior to entering the water.

Anyone that would like to participate as a volunteer in Hawai‘i Sea Grant’s Hawai‘i and Pacific Islands King Tides Project should go to http://ccsr.seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/king-tides.

The project trains citizen scientists on how to document high tide and sea level events, and aims to enhance community capacity to prevent, withstand, adapt to, and recover from coastal hazards.

For more information about the King Tides, please visit the National Weather Service Honolulu Forecast Office website, http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/, or www.hawaiisealevel.org.