Special Marine Warning Issued for Kauai Waters Due to Severe Thunderstorms and Potential Waterspouts

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Special Marine Warning (NWS Alert Type: MAW). This alert is in effect for marine areas surrounding Kauai due to severe thunderstorms detected by radar.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• Kauai Northwest Waters
• Kauai Windward Waters
• Kauai Leeward Waters

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents in the affected areas should take the following precautions immediately:

• Prepare for gusty winds, steep and fast-building seas, and blinding downpours.
• Stay low or go below deck to ensure safety.
• Ensure all individuals on board are wearing life jackets.
• Avoid the area if possible as waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas.

Expected Conditions

At 7:19 PM HST, radar indicated severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts along a line extending from 50 nm northwest of Na Pali State Park to 25 nm northwest of Lehua Rock.

Key hazards include:

• Waterspouts: Potential for sudden formation which can damage or overturn vessels.
• Wind: Gusts of 34 knots or greater.
• Movement: The storm system is moving northeast at 20 knots.
• Impact: Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves. These thunderstorms are expected to remain primarily over open waters.

Timeline

• Issued: March 11 at 7:20 PM HST
• Effective: Immediately
• Expires: March 11 at 9:15 PM HST