Publication Date August 17, 2017 | Big Island Video News

As King Tide Arrives, Sea Level Rise Meeting Set

United States
Photo: David Corrigan
Photo: David Corrigan

In what seems have become a monthly norm, the National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued another special weather statement warning of the possible effects from the predicted King Tides along Hawaii shores.

“Coastal flooding, associated with a combination of high tides and higher than normal water levels, will be a possibility through the upcoming holiday weekend,” the forecasters wrote on Wednesday. “The greatest potential for coastal flooding impacts will be during the peak daily high tide, which will occur during the mid- to late-afternoon hours the next several days.”

Water levels at the Honolulu tidal station are currently running about 0.7 feet higher than predicted values, the NWS reports, and water levels are expected to remain higher than normal through the weekend.

“Impacts may include flooding of beach areas that are normally dry, salt water inundation of typically vulnerable low-lying roads, docks, boat ramps and other coastal infrastructure. The potential for coastal flooding will diminish early next week as the peak daily tides diminish,” forecasters say.

During last month’s King Tide in Hawaii, Moku Ola in Hilo was partially submerged, offering a glimpse at how a rising sea can begin to impact popular coastal gathering places.