Another round of king tides will roll in this weekend, which could bring flooding to all shores statewide, particularly south-facing shores.
Another round of king tides will roll in this weekend, which could bring flooding to all shores statewide, particularly south-facing shores.
A high tide of 3.1 feet is forecast for 4:07 p.m. today in Hilo and a high tide of 3 feet is expected at 4:51 p.m. Sunday.
Hawaii County Civil Defense advised beachgoers, oceanfront residents and boat owners Friday to be prepared for high surf, strong current and dangerous flooding and to consider postponing ocean activities until the king tides, which are unusually high tides, subside. A coinciding south swell is expected to “enhance impacts to exposed shores,” Civil Defense said.
Impact is predicted to be greatest in the afternoon and evening hours. Civil Defense said those in coastal areas near Kapoho should take additional precaution during high tide periods.
No beach closures are planned, but that could change without warning, Civil Defense said.
King tides occur a few times per year when a new or full moon coincides with when the moon is closest to Earth. The Hawaiian Islands last observed a king tide at the end of May.
This weekend’s king tides are predicted to stick around through the weekend and gradually subside next week.
Email Kirsten Johnson at kjohnson@hawaiitribune-herald.com.