Coastal Flood Advisory in Effect Across Hawaiian Islands

Coastal Flood Advisory in Effect Across Hawaiian Islands

Coastal Flood Advisory in Effect Across Hawaiian Islands

A coastal flood advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service, and it will remain in effect through Thursday afternoon. This alert covers several islands across Hawaiʻi, including Kahoʻolawe, Kauaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, Niʻihau, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island. While the situation is not expected to cause severe damage, residents and visitors are being warned to expect some minor flooding in coastal areas.

What this means in practice is that some beaches that are usually dry could experience brief flooding. There may also be minor coastal erosion, as well as saltwater intrusion in low-lying spots near the shoreline. Although these impacts are described as “isolated and minor,” they can still create inconveniences and hazards if people aren’t careful.

Also Read:

Motorists are advised to take extra precautions. Driving through flooded roads is never safe, and if it cannot be avoided, the National Weather Service strongly suggests rinsing vehicles with fresh water afterward to protect them from salt damage. Even small amounts of saltwater exposure can cause long-term harm to vehicles if it’s not properly cleaned off.

Residents are also being asked to safeguard belongings that could be affected by the rising water. Electronics, vehicles, or any other valuables should be moved to higher ground whenever possible. For those with boats, canoes, or other watercraft, special attention is needed. Mooring lines should be checked to make sure they aren’t pulled too tightly, which could cause damage, and people are urged to watch for waves or overwash around boat ramps. Canoes and other watercraft that are stored on beaches should be secured in case water levels rise higher than expected.

Even though this event is described as minor, officials emphasize that it is still important to prepare. Small amounts of coastal flooding can disrupt traffic, damage property, or make beaches unsafe for a short time. People are encouraged to stay alert, avoid unnecessary risks, and monitor updates as conditions evolve.

Additionally, the public is invited to take part in a citizen science effort. Anyone who notices unusual coastal flooding is welcome to document it and submit photos to the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program’s Hawaiʻi and Pacific Islands King Tides Project. These submissions help researchers track coastal changes and better understand how rising water levels are affecting island communities.

So, while the advisory is not expected to bring widespread damage, it serves as a reminder of the ocean’s power and the importance of being cautious along the shorelines. Taking simple steps like moving valuables, avoiding flooded roads, and securing watercraft can help minimize impacts until conditions return to normal later this week.

Read More:

Post a Comment

0 Comments