Full Breakdown
High Surf Advisory and Coastal Flooding in Hawaii
11/6/2025, 12:14:53 PM
Overview of the Advisory
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a high surf advisory for the north- and west-facing shores of all Hawaiian Islands, effective until 6 p.m. on Thursday. This advisory is prompted by a large north-northwest swell, which is expected to elevate surf heights to between 12 to 18 feet along north shores and 8 to 12 feet along west shores. The advisory encompasses Kauai County, Oahu, Molokai, and the north shores of Maui and Hawaii Island.
Coastal Flooding Risks
In addition to the high surf, the NWS warns of minor coastal flooding due to peak monthly high tides coinciding with water levels that are higher than predicted. This flooding is anticipated in low-lying coastal areas across all Hawaiian Islands, particularly during the early morning hours when tides peak. Residents are advised to avoid driving through flooded roadways and to relocate electronics and vehicles to higher ground.
Safety Precautions
Officials emphasize the importance of heeding advice from ocean safety officials. They recommend securing canoes and other watercraft on beaches and monitoring vessels to ensure mooring lines do not become too tight. The public is also encouraged to report coastal flooding by submitting photos to the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program for its King Tides Project.
Weather Conditions
Moderate to locally breezy trade winds are expected to continue through Thursday, with a gradual decline anticipated as a cold front approaches from the northwest. The combination of these weather conditions and the incoming swell is likely to maintain hazardous surf conditions until Thursday night, when surf heights are expected to decrease.
Criticism & Opposition
While the advisory aims to ensure public safety, some residents express concerns about the adequacy of communication regarding the risks associated with high surf and flooding. Critics argue that more proactive measures could be taken to inform communities about potential hazards, especially in vulnerable coastal areas.
Official Statements & Responses
The NWS has reiterated the importance of safety during this period, stating, “Heed all advice from ocean safety officials. When in doubt, don’t go out.” Local officials have also urged residents to prepare for possible flooding and to stay informed about changing conditions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Surf heights will likely fall below advisory thresholds by Thursday night as the swell energy decreases.” — National Weather Service
- “Peak monthly high tides combined with water levels that are running higher than predicted will lead to minor flooding along the shoreline and in low-lying coastal areas,” — National Weather Service
- “Avoid driving through flooded roadways.” — National Weather Service
- “Secure canoes or other watercraft stowed on beaches.” — National Weather Service
What's Next
As the swell energy diminishes, conditions are expected to stabilize, but residents are advised to remain vigilant. The NWS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary, particularly as another cold front approaches over the weekend, which may bring additional weather changes.
