UPDATE 7: Giant Surf Warning, Wind & Small Craft Advisory

UPDATE 7: Civil Defense, Sunday, March 17, 2019, 7 AM

The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for north-facing shores of Hawai‘i Island through Monday evening. The swell will build today and is expected to peak on Monday. The most dangerous time along the coast is during periods of high tide forecast to occur around 1:30 a.m. Monday morning.

A High Surf Warning means large breaking surf, significant shore-break, and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous.

Due to the Warning, the following are issued:

• Oceanfront residents and beachgoers along the north-facing shores of Hawai‘i Island from Upolu Point to Cape Kumukahi are advised to be on the alert for high and dangerous surf.
• Inexperienced persons should remain off beaches and adjacent beach front areas.
• Fishermen should pay close attention to the surf.
• Boat owners and oceanfront residents should take action to secure their property by early this afternoon.
• Closures of roads and beaches may occur at any time.

There are no closures at this time.

UPDATE 6: Civil Defense, Saturday, March 16, 6:45 PM

The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for north-facing shores of Hawai‘i Island beginning midnight tonight through Monday evening.

A High Surf Warning means large breaking surf, significant shore-break, and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous.

Due to the warning, all persons camping or fishing on the north-facing shores of Hawai‘i Island should pay attention to surf conditions throughout the night. High surf is expected to arrive in the early morning hours. Inexperienced persons should remain off beaches and adjacent beach front areas.

UPDATE 5: National Weather Service Honolulu, Saturday, March 16, 3:54 PM

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Small Craft Advisory, which is in effect from midnight tonight to 6 PM HST Monday.

Winds and Seas: NW to north winds increasing to 15 to 25 kt. Seas building to 12 to 20 feet.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 25 to 33 knots and/or seas 10 feet or greater are expected to produce conditions hazardous to small craft. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.

UPDATE 4: National Weather Service Honolulu, Saturday, March 16, 3:51 PM HST 

An extra-large NW swell will bring significant coastal impacts along north- and west-facing shores on Sunday and Monday. Surf will rapidly build on Sunday, peak Sunday night well above warning levels, and steadily lower on Monday. Strong northerly winds combined with peak monthly high tides just after midnight Sunday night will compound the situation, likely translating to significant beach erosion, periodic overtopping of nearby vulnerable coastal roadways, and property damage.

Big Island, North and East

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a High Surf Warning, which is in effect from midnight tonight to 6 PM HST Monday.

SURF: Building to 35 to 50 feet Sunday and Sunday night, lowering to 25 to 35 feet Monday along north-facing shores of the Big Island. Building to 25 to 35 feet Sunday and Sunday night.

IMPACTS: Very High; Expect ocean water surging and sweeping across beaches, coastal benches, and lava flows creating the potential for impacts to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways. Powerful longshore and rip currents will be present at most beaches. Large breaking waves and strong currents may impact harbor entrances and channels causing challenging boat handling.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

These dangerous conditions mean that only highly experienced persons should enter the water. Inexperienced persons should remain off beaches and adjacent beachfront areas. Large breaking surf, significant shorebreak, and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous. Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death

UPDATE 3: National Weather Service Honolulu, Saturday, March 16, 3:40 PM,

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday, March 17, 2019

WINDS: NW 30 to 50 mph

IMPACTS: Strong gusts can make driving difficult. Doors may slam very forcefully.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

A Wind Advisory means that sustained winds of at least 30 mph, or gusts of at least 50 mph, are expected. Motorists should use extra caution.

UPDATE 2: Civil Defense, Friday, March 15, 3:30 PM

The National Weather Service is tracking a large ocean swell that is expected to arrive Sunday afternoon and continue through Monday. Warning level surf is expected Sunday afternoon on north-facing shores of Hawai‘i Island.

As a precaution, the following are issued:

• Oceanfront residents and beachgoers along the affected shores are advised to be on the alert for high and dangerous surf.
• Boat owners and oceanfront residents should take action to secure their property by Sunday afternoon.
• Closures of roads and beaches may occur without notice.

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense will monitor conditions through the weekend.

ORIGINAL: National Weather Service, Friday, March 15, 2 PM HST 

SIGNIFICANT COASTAL IMPACTS POSSIBLE DUE TO HAZARDOUS SURF SUNDAY INTO MONDAY

Giant surf will produce hazardous conditions along west through north coastal areas of the Hawaiian Islands.

Areas on the Big Island that will be effected include north and east shores.

Surf is expected to build rapidly Sunday, peak Sunday evening into Sunday night at giant levels, then steadily decrease Monday into Tuesday.

A cold front will also bring breezy north winds Saturday night through Sunday.

The combination of hazardous surf, strong north winds, and peak monthly high tides will result in inundation of low-lying coastal areas and roadways Sunday through Monday.

The most vulnerable time frame will be Sunday night through Monday morning around high tide.

Beach erosion and strong harbor surges with large breaking waves are likely as well and may cause damage to boats and infrastructure along north- and west-facing coastlines and harbors.