Coastal flood statement issued for weekend

Peak monthly tides combined with water levels running higher than predicted could lead to minor coastal flooding issues for the state’s typically vulnerable low-lying coastal areas this weekend.

The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu issued a coastal flood statement for Kaua‘i shores from midnight through late Sunday night because of expected higher than normal water levels.

Isolated minor coastal flooding is expected.

Best chance for impacts — which will include flooding of normally dry beaches, minor coastal erosion and saltwater inundation — will occur especially during the early morning high tides and daybreak.

The National Weather Service advises the public:

• 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 and 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.

Submit your coastal flooding photos to the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program’s Hawai‘i and Pacific Islands King Tides Project online.