Electronics Warning Issued to Hundreds of Thousands

Newsweek

2 days ago

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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.