Latest news with #KingTidesProject
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Electronics Warning Issued to Hundreds of Thousands in This State
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists are urging hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors across Hawaii to move electronics to higher ground as afternoon high tides pose a coastal flooding hazard over the next three days. Why It Matters The coastal flood statement covers much of Maui County and the Big Island. The NWS's explicit mention of electronics and vehicle safety underscores the threat that even minor, short-term flooding poses to essential property and infrastructure. Coastal erosion, saltwater inundation, and flood damage can be amplified during events like king tides—abnormally high tides that expose low-lying areas to unexpected hazards. What To Know The NWS coastal hazard message, effective from 6 a.m. HST Thursday through Saturday afternoon, identified the risk of "isolated minor coastal flooding" along flood-prone, low-lying shoreline areas. A stock photo shows a man on his phone. A stock photo shows a man on his phone. Jacob Wackerhausen/Getty The warning was issued as afternoon high tides coincided with water levels roughly half a foot higher than predicted, and a "large south swell" contributed to coastal inundation. According to the agency, the greatest impacts are expected during the peak afternoon high tides from Thursday through Saturday, with water levels forecast to subside by Sunday. The advisory covered a broad array of Hawaiian forecast zones, including Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Kahoolawe, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island, identifying both urban and rural communities as at risk. The NWS expected "flooding of beaches that are normally dry, minor coastal erosion, and saltwater inundation," potentially exposing electronics and vehicles to corrosive conditions. Precautionary guidance from the NWS advised residents to "move electronics, vehicles, or other valuables to higher ground" and avoid driving through flooded roadways. Those who must pass through saltwater were encouraged to rinse their vehicles thoroughly with fresh water. The agency also asked boat owners to monitor vessel mooring lines and prevent overtightening as water levels fluctuate, as well as to secure canoes and watercraft stored on beaches. The public was invited to support scientific research by submitting flooding observations to the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program's King Tides Project. Newsweek reached out to the King Tides Project by email for comment. What People Are Saying NWS Honolulu in a coastal flood advisory: "Peak afternoon high tides, combined with elevated water levels running about a half a foot higher than predicted and a large south swell filling in, will lead to minor flooding along shoreline and low lying coastal areas through Saturday. Water levels should fall below thresholds during peak afternoon high tides Sunday." The King Tides Project, on a webpage: "King Tides, or the highest high tides of the year, are a unique coastal hazard. The timing of these extreme water level events can be anticipated through the use of tidal predictions yet their impacts (e.g., coastal flooding and inundation in low lying areas) can have devastating consequences for coastal inhabitants, particularly when combined with severe weather or high wave events." What Happens Next The NWS anticipates that coastal water levels will drop below flooding thresholds after Saturday's afternoon high tides, with conditions anticipated to improve by Sunday. Until then, residents and visitors are urged to maintain precautions and remain attentive to weather updates.
Newsweek
25-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Electronics Warning Issued to Hundreds of Thousands
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists issued an alert on Friday urging hundreds of thousands of people to move electronics to higher ground amid coastal flooding triggered by king tides. Newsweek reached out to NWS Honolulu via phone for comment. Why It Matters The NWS office in Honolulu, Hawaii, issued a coastal flood statement for Maui County and the Big Island on Friday, warning the public of minor flooding due to elevated afternoon high tides. The advisory holds significance, as it highlights the vulnerability of local communities—and their property, including electronic devices and vehicles—to the hazards of coastal flooding. Earlier this month, similar advisories were issued in the San Francisco Bay Area, warning people to use caution when traveling near coastal areas. High tide in Maui. High tide in Maui. Francis Joseph Dean/Getty What To Know The NWS issued a minor coastal flooding statement through Friday afternoon for the following areas: portions of Kahoolawe, Lanai, Maui, Molokai and the Big Island. Water levels were observed at approximately half a foot above predicted values, with the trend anticipated to persist into the afternoon before easing by the weekend. The advisory pinpointed risks including localized minor flooding along shorelines, temporary coastal erosion, saltwater inundation and the potential for flooding of typically dry beaches and some low-lying coastal areas. The NWS statement specifically cautioned residents and visitors to protect vulnerable property during potential flood conditions. Key recommendations included moving electronics, vehicles and other valuables to higher ground. The agency also advised drivers to avoid traveling through flooded roadways, and highlighted the importance of rinsing vehicles with fresh water if exposure to salt water occurred. For those managing boats or personal watercraft, it recommended monitoring for over-wash and ensuring vessel mooring lines do not become overtightened due to increased water levels. The advisory emphasized the prompt need for precautionary measures, particularly concerning the safety and potential damage of electronic equipment and vehicles due to saltwater exposure. The NWS also encouraged the public to document and submit coastal flooding observations for scientific research via the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program's King Tides Project. The program is designed to help better understand impacts from sea level rise and other coastal hazards. What People Are Saying NWS Honolulu, in the coastal flood statement: "Avoid driving through flooded roadways. If you are forced to drive through salt water, be sure to rinse your vehicle with fresh water. Move electronics, vehicles or other valuables to higher ground." The King Tides Project, on a webpage: "King Tides, or the highest high tides of the year, are a unique coastal hazard. The timing of these extreme water level events can be anticipated through the use of tidal predictions yet their impacts (e.g., coastal flooding and inundation in low lying areas) can have devastating consequences for coastal inhabitants, particularly when combined with severe weather or high wave events." What Happens Next According to the NWS, water levels are forecast to drop below flood thresholds following the afternoon high tides, likely before the coming weekend. Residents and authorities are expected to remain vigilant, following preparedness guidance until coastal conditions normalize. Should minor flooding persist or intensify, further advisories may be issued by weather authorities.
