Update: High surf advisory canceled for eastern shorelines of Kaua‘i

Update at 4:15 p.m. Nov. 18: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has canceled the high surf advisory that was in effect until 6 p.m. today for east-facing shores of Kaua‘i as surf has fallen below advisory levels finally after several days.

There are no longer any weather advisories in effect for the island.

Update at 3:26 p.m. Nov. 15: The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu has extended the high surf advisory for east-facing shores of Kaua‘i until 6 a.m. Monday as strong winds will maintain large east wind waves, keeping surf heights along these shorelines above advisory levels into the weekend.

Large breaking waves of 9 to 13 feet can be expected in the advisory areas.

A coastal flooding statement also remains in effect for the same shores as peak monthly tides will lead to minor coastal flooding in the typical low-lying vulnerable areas in the early mornings.

Update at 5:32 p.m. Nov. 14: The high surf advisory in effect for east-facing shores of Kaua‘i has been extended until 6 a.m. Sunday as strong trade winds will maintain large east wind waves, keeping surf heights above advisory levels into the weekend.

Large breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet are forecast along eastern shorelines. Combined with strong currents, swimming and other ocean activities will be dangerous in the advisory areas.

The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu also issued a coastal flooding statement from midnight Friday through 8 a.m. Nov. 18 for the same areas, with peak monthly tides corresponding with the high surf event.

Minor isolated coastal flooding in the typical low-lying vulnerable areas can be expected in the early mornings.

Flooding of beaches that are normally dry, minor coastal erosion and saltwater inundation are possible along windward coasts.

The public is advised:

• Avoid driving through flooded roadways.
• If you are forced to drive through salt water, be sure to rinse your vehicle with fresh water.
• Move electronics, vehicles or other valuables to higher ground.
• Monitor vessels to ensure mooring lines don’t get too tight.
• Watch out for overwash around boat ramps.
• Secure canoes or other watercraft stowed on beaches.

As always with any dangerous ocean weather event, heed all advice from ocean safety officials, and when in doubt, don’t go out.

The National Weather Service also encourages the public to submit coastal flooding photos to the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program’s Hawaiʻi and Pacific Islands King Tides Project.

Update at 4:28 a.m. Nov. 14: The large northwest swell that’s impacting north and west shorelines of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau will slowly decline today, falling below advisory level by tonight.

However, the National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu says strong winds will produce large east wind waves, building surf heights above advisory levels along east shorelines into this weekend.

A high surf advisory is now in effect until 6 a.m. Saturday for east-facing shores of Kaua‘i, with large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet forecast today, building to 8 to 12 feet by Friday.

Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming and other ocean activities dangerous in the advisory areas.

The public is advised to heed all advice from ocean safety officials — when in doubt, don’t go out.

Original post at 5 a.m. Nov. 13: Exposed north and west shorelines of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau likely started feeling the effects of a reinforcing northwest swell overnight Tuesday and that will continue to build today until it peaks, causing severe surf condions.

The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu issued a high surf advisory from 6 a.m. today through 6 p.m. Thursday for north- and west-facing shores of both islands.

The swell should steadily fade after it peaks later today and become more northerly early next week.

Surf will build to 18 to 24 feet along north shorelines and 14 to 18 feet along west shorelines, with strong breaking waves and strong currents that will make swimming and other ocean activities dangerous.

The public is advised to heed all advice from ocean safety officials — when in doubt, don’t go out.