High surf advisory extended until Sunday morning for west shorelines on Big Island

The high surf advisory in effect for west shores of the Big Island is now in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday (Feb. 1) as large surf will persist overnight because of overlapping west-northwest to northwest swells.

Surf of 6 to 8 feet is still expected along western shorelines before it begins to slowly decrease late tonight.

The swells also will continue to decline tonight into Sunday.

Strong breaking waves and strong currents will keep swimming and ocean activity conditions dangerous. Heed all advice from ocean safety officials; remember: when in doubt, don’t go out.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense reports that because of high surf and debris, the following beach locations will remain closed:

• Kahalu‘u Beach Park.
• Kohanaiki Beach Park.
• Māhukona Wharf.

The public is also notified that other beaches could close without notice.

Higher-than-predicted tides also will continue to produce minor flooding in vulnerable low-lying coastal areas and cause some beach erosion during peak high tides between midnight and sunrise.

The elevated tides will contribute to runup and beach erosion late tonight into early Sunday morning along west shores exposed to the large swells.

A coastal flood statement remains in effect through Monday afternoon for the Big Island.

Flooding of beaches that are normally dry, minor coastal erosion and saltwater inundation is possible along the coastlines around the island.

The public should avoid driving through flooded roadways, and 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.

Be sure to also secure canoes or other watercraft stowed on beaches.

Anyone who captures photos of the coastal flooding can submit them to University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program’s Hawai‘i and Pacific Islands King Tides Project.