Extreme ‘King’ Tide and High Surf Warning

Big Island Now stock photo.

The National Weather Service reported on Thursday, May 25, that unusually high tides, also known as “king tides,” may cause dangerous flooding conditions along all shores of Hawai‘i Island through the Memorial Day weekend before gradually subsiding next week.

The king tide will be in combination with dangerous high surf caused by large southerly swells.

Be aware, due to the king tides and high surf, coastal areas, beaches, low-lying roads, boat ramps and harbors may be dangerously impacted especially during the high tide periods of the afternoon and late evening hours.

These expected high surf and king tide conditions will cause higher beach run-up, flooding and erosion.

Because of these dangerous conditions, the following precautions should be taken: oceanfront residents, beachgoers and boat owners are advised to be on the alert for possible high and dangerous surf, strong currents and beach flooding.

As a precaution, you should consider canceling or suspending coastal water activities until potential dangerous hazards are over.

As always, precautionary actions should be taken before nightfall.