Forecasters say a large northwest swell arriving Tuesday will drive surf heights along exposed north- and west-facing shores of the Hawaiian Islands well above warning levels through Wednesday.
A combination of water levels running higher than predicted and the swell’s peak potentially coinciding with the daily high tide Wednesday morning could lead to coastal and harbor impacts, the Honolulu-based National Weather Service said.
“Significant beach erosion with water reaching vulnerable low-lying coastal roadways will be possible. Large surges in exposed harbors may generate currents strong enough to damage infrastructure due to the jostling of boats and docks,” forecasters wrote. “Additionally, expect very large breaking waves near harbor entrances.”
Listed in the “special weather statement” issued Monday was Hawaii Island’s Kona, Kohala, southern, northern and eastern coasts.