Peak high tides, higher-than-predicted water levels combine to produce prime conditions for minor coastal flooding

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

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu issued a coastal flood statement Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 4) advising that flooding is possible from midnight Wednesday (Nov. 5) through Friday morning (Nov. 7) at the same time as daily peak tide, which will be during the early morning hours.

Beaches that are normally dry will likely experience flooding, and some minor coastal erosion and saltwater inundation should be expected.

Forecasters issued this advice for 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 and other watercraft stowed on beaches.

If you happen to be near the coast when this coastal flooding is taking place and snap a picture, you can submit photos to University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program’s Hawai‘i and Pacific Islands King Tides Project.