Audio message from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, issued Feb. 13, 2019.
(BIVN) – The National Weather Service continues the High Surf Warning for east facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island, and has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
Hawaiʻi County Beach Parks from Keokea through Laupahoehoe to Richardson Beach Park are closed today, a civil defense message announced Wednesday morning. Hilo Bayfront Highway is also closed.
Surf heights will be 18 to 22 feet today, lowering to 14 to 18 feet Thursday, forecasters say.
The large north northeast swell will also bring surges into exposed north facing harbors, including Hilo, through Thursday. “These surges will be capable of damaging boats and infrastructure due to the jostling of docks and boats,” the National Weather Service says. “Mariners should exercise extreme caution if using these harbors.”
Power restoration continues in Hāmākua. Highway 19 between the 38 and 39 mile markers will be restricted to a single lane of traffic from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. today to facilitate repairs. However, civil defense reports that Honokaʻa Schools are open today.
At the summits, a Winter Storm Warning has replaced the Winter Storm Watch previously in effect. “Periods of freezing rain and snow are forecast,” the National Weather Service says. “Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches, with ice accumulations over 1/4 inch are possible.”
