The National Weather Service issues a coastal flooding advisory for the weekend: Big Island Now

Monthly peak tides combined with higher than forecast water levels could lead to minor coastal flooding in the state’s normally vulnerable low-lying coastal areas this weekend.

The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu issued a coastal flooding statement for Big Island shores from midnight through late Sunday night as water levels were expected to be higher than normal.

Isolated minor coastal flooding is expected.

The greatest risk of impacts – which include flooding on normally dry beaches, minor coastal erosion and saltwater flooding – is particularly during early morning and daybreak high tides.

The National Weather Service advises the public to:

• Avoid driving through flooded roads.
• If you are forced to drive through salt water, be sure to rinse your vehicle with fresh water.
• Take electronics, vehicles and other valuables to a higher level.
• Monitor vessels to ensure mooring lines do not become too tight.
• Watch for flooding around boat ramps.
• Secure canoes or other watercraft stowed on beaches.

Submit your coastal flooding photos online to the Hawai’i and Pacific Islands King Tides Project of the University of Hawai’i’s Sea Grant College program.