Special Marine Warning Issued for Big Island Waters Through Early Sunday

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Special Marine Warning for the coastal waters surrounding the Big Island. This alert was issued following radar detection of a severe thunderstorm moving through the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following marine areas:

• Big Island Windward Waters
• Big Island Leeward Waters
• Big Island Southeast Waters

Specific locations impacted include Cape Kumukahi, South Point, and FAD Buoys A, HK, E, D, G, and SS.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to prepare immediately for hazardous conditions including gusty winds, steep and fast-building seas, and blinding downpours. The National Weather Service recommends that those on the water stay low or go below deck and ensure all passengers are wearing life jackets. Small craft should seek safe harbor as they could capsize in suddenly higher waves.

Expected Conditions

At 10:39 PM HST, a severe thunderstorm was located approximately 11 nautical miles southeast of FAD Buoy KH (or 14 nautical miles southeast of Isaac Hale Beach Park), moving northeast at 50 knots.

Expected hazards include:

• Wind gusts in excess of 50 knots
• Potential waterspouts
• Steep, fast-building seas
• Blinding downpours

Boats could suffer significant structural damage due to high winds.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately as of 10:40 PM HST on Saturday, March 14. The warning is currently scheduled to expire at 12:45 AM HST on Sunday, March 15.