Special Marine Warning Issued for Big Island Windward and Southeast Waters Until 6:15 AM HST
This alert is no longer in effect.
NOAA issued it on April 1, 2026, 4 months ago. Warnings of this kind stay in effect for hours to a few days, so this page is a historical record of what was issued, not a current warning. For conditions where you are right now, check weather.gov (US), weather.gc.ca (Canada), the Met Office (UK), or the Bureau of Meteorology (Australia).
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The National Weather Service has issued a Special Marine Warning for Big Island waters as severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts and 50-knot winds move through the region.
Read this weather record in 30 seconds
- Record type
- Special Marine Warning
- Affected area
- Big Island Waters, Hawaii
- Issued
- April 1, 2026
- Issuing authority
- NWS Honolulu
Marine notices apply to named waters or shoreline zones. They may not describe conditions on land, even when the nearest place name is the same.
Record status: historical. It was issued 4 months ago; use the issuing agency's live warning service for current conditions in Big Island Waters, Hawaii.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Special Marine Warning (VTEC code /O.NEW.PHFO.MA.W.0045.260315T1409Z-260315T1615Z/) for marine areas surrounding the Big Island. The alert was issued at 4:09 AM HST on March 15, 2026, following radar detection of severe weather conditions.
Affected Areas
The warning specifically covers the following geographic regions:
- Big Island Southeast Waters
- Big Island Windward Waters
At 4:08 AM HST, a line of severe thunderstorms was located approximately 21 nautical miles southeast of FAD Buoy KH, or 25 nautical miles southeast of Isaac Hale Beach Park, moving northeast at 35 knots.
What You Should Do
Mariners and residents in the affected areas should take immediate precautions:
- Seek Safe Harbor: Move to a safe location immediately.
- Safety Gear: Ensure all persons on board are wearing life jackets.
- Protective Action: Stay low or go below deck to avoid hazards.
- Monitor Conditions: Prepare for sudden changes in sea state and visibility.
Expected Conditions
According to the National Weather Service, the following hazards are expected:
- Waterspouts: Thunderstorms in the area are capable of producing sudden waterspouts which can easily overturn boats.
- Wind: Wind gusts of nearly 50 knots are possible.
- Seas: Expect steep and fast-building seas that can damage small craft.
- Visibility: Blinding downpours are likely as the storm line passes.
Timeline
The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately and is currently scheduled to expire at 6:15 AM HST on March 15, 2026. The severe thunderstorms are expected to remain primarily over open waters during this window.
Original source: NOAA Official Notice ↗
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