National Weather Service issues coastal flood statement for all Hawai‘i coastlines

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu issued a coastal flood statement for all of the islands, in effect from midnight Thursday (Dec. 4) through Saturday (Dec. 6).

Peak monthly high tides combined with water levels higher than predicted will lead to minor flooding along shoreline and in low-lying coastal areas.

Coastal flooding will be especially possible by about daily peak high tide, which will be during the early morning hours.

Isolated minor coastal flooding is expected, with vulnerable low-lying coastal roadways, docks, boat ramps and other coastal infrastructure especially at risk.

Flooding of normally-dry beaches, minor coastal erosion and saltwater inundation also are possible. 

Forecasters advise 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 as soon as possible.
• 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 coastal flooding photos to the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Hawai‘i and Pacific Islands King Tides Project.