Special Marine Warning Issued for Big Island Windward Waters Through Friday Afternoon

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Special Marine Warning for the Big Island Windward Waters. This alert was issued at 12:08 PM HST following radar detection of severe weather in the area.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the Big Island Windward Waters. Impacted locations include Hilo Harbor, Cape Kumukahi, and several FAD Buoys, specifically HK, E, D, G, SS, and KH.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to seek safe harbor immediately. Prepare for gusty winds, steep and fast-building seas, and blinding downpours. All persons on board should wear life jackets and stay low or go below deck. Because thunderstorms can produce sudden waterspouts that can easily overturn boats, immediate action is required to protect life and property.

Expected Conditions

According to radar, severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts and wind gusts of 34 knots or greater were identified. These conditions can create locally hazardous seas and suddenly higher waves capable of damaging small craft. Blinding downpours are also expected as the storm system moves through the maritime region.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective from 12:08 PM HST on March 13, 2026, and is currently scheduled to expire at 2:15 PM HST. At 12:07 PM HST, the storms were located along a line extending from 22 nm northeast of FAD Buoy D to 12 nm east of FAD Buoy SS, moving northeast at 20 knots.