Coastal Flooding Event: The Southerly Swell of July 2022

In mid-July 2022, a powerful southerly swell generated from a low-pressure system near New Zealand caused significant coastal flooding in American Samoa and Hawaiʻi. This event, intensified by a King Tide, produced long-period swells that resulted in large breaking waves along the exposed shorelines. This poster delves into the meteorological and oceanographic conditions that led to the swell's formation and progression. The poster highlights the forecast challenges by utilizing satellite data and wave models. Key findings focus on the relationship between wave speed, period, and energy and their roles in forecasting swell impacts. Recommendations for future forecasting practices are also provided, aimed at enhancing the preparedness of marine forecasters for similar uncommon events.

Key Points:

• Analysis of the low-pressure system's development and its 1400 nautical mile fetch.
• Satellite data and wave model illustrations of the swell's progression.
• Insights into forecasting challenges and public response.
• Recommendations for improving future swell forecasts.