Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau south-facing shores remain under high surf advisory; minor flooding of coastal areas also still likely

A large south swell will continue to produce high end advisory-level surf along all south-facing shores of the Hawaiian Islands through today, with surf heights expected to begin gradually declining later today and tonight.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Honolulu have extended until 6 p.m. Monday the high surf advisory for those south-facing shorelines of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.

Peak afternoon high tides combined with elevated water levels running about a half-foot higher than normal — along with high surf along southern shores — will also lead to additional minor flooding along most shorelines and low-lying coastal areas today.

Forecasters now say water levels will likely decrease by Monday instead of today as initially predicted.

Large breaking waves of 10 to 14 feet are forecast for this morning, decreasing to 8 to 12 feet this afternoon and 7 to 10 feet by Monday for south-facing shores.

Those strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming dangerous. Flooding of beaches that are normally dry, minor coastal erosion and saltwater inundation also will be an issue with continued coastal flooding.

The public is advised, as always, to heed all advise from ocean safety officials: when in doubt, don’t go out.

You should also avoid driving through flooded roadways. If you are forced to drive through salt water, be sure to rinse your vehicle with fresh water as soon as possible afterward.

Move electronics, vehicles or other valuables to higher ground.

Monitor vessels to ensure mooring lines don’t get too tight and watch out for overwash around boat ramps. Secure canoes or other watercraft stowed on beaches.

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

Get the latest up-to-date weather information by visiting the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website.