Heavy rain and flash flooding are expected in Hawaii as Kona Low impacts the region. Residents of Oahu, Maui County, and Hawaii Island should remain vigilant as the El-Balad First Alert Weather Team declares First Alert Weather Days through Sunday.
Kona Low Causes Flooding Threat
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for all main Hawaiian islands from Thursday at 6 p.m. until Sunday at 6 p.m. On Friday, a Flash Flood Emergency was declared for the North Shore of Oahu but has since expired. Meanwhile, a Flash Flood Warning continues for Maui until Saturday at 9 p.m. due to severe thunderstorms.
Forecast Overview
- Saturday: Expect heavier rainfall mainly over Oahu and Maui County. Moderate rainfalls are likely to trigger flash floods.
- Sunday: Heavy showers will move to Hawaii Island, with significant rainfall totals expected. Oahu and Maui could also experience pop-up storms.
Areas of southern Kauai will experience drier conditions, leading to the cancellation of the Flood Watch there. However, caution is still advised as any amount of rainfall could exacerbate flooding risks on the central islands.
Winter Storm Warning Issued
A Winter Storm Warning is currently active for Hawaii Island. Residents at elevations above 12,000 feet could see up to 10 inches of snowfall. This weather pattern poses additional hazards as saturated ground may lead to downed trees and power lines due to gusty winds.
Wind Conditions
While winds from the Kona Low are less intense than previous storms, gusts may reach 30 to 45 miles per hour on Saturday. Sustained winds will remain between 15 to 25 miles per hour and will shift to a southwesterly direction.
Stay Informed
Residents are encouraged to stay alert and monitor forecast updates. The El-Balad weather team, including chief meteorologist Jennifer Robbins and meteorologist Drew Davis, provides ongoing coverage of these weather conditions. Download the El-Balad Weather app for real-time updates and alerts.
