Oahu remains under flash flood warning as storm slams state

Yahoo

31-01-2025

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Cars traverse flood waters, today, in Honolulu. A flash flood warning is in effect for all of Oahu through 2 p.m.
1 /5 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Cars traverse flood waters, today, in Honolulu. A flash flood warning is in effect for all of Oahu through 2 p.m.
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE @STARADVERTISER.COM A woman cleared out floodwater from a business in downtown Honolulu, today.
2 /5 GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE @STARADVERTISER.COM A woman cleared out floodwater from a business in downtown Honolulu, today.
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM A woman crosses South King Street in the rain, today, in Honolulu. A flash flood warning is in effect for all of Oahu through 2 p.m.
3 /5 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM A woman crosses South King Street in the rain, today, in Honolulu. A flash flood warning is in effect for all of Oahu through 2 p.m.
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Cars traverse flood waters, today, in Honolulu. A flash flood warning is in effect for all of Oahu through 2 p.m.
4 /5 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Cars traverse flood waters, today, in Honolulu. A flash flood warning is in effect for all of Oahu through 2 p.m.
COURTESY NOAA Radar this morning shows areas of moisture over Hawaii.
5 /5 COURTESY NOAA Radar this morning shows areas of moisture over Hawaii.
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Cars traverse flood waters, today, in Honolulu. A flash flood warning is in effect for all of Oahu through 2 p.m.
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE @STARADVERTISER.COM A woman cleared out floodwater from a business in downtown Honolulu, today.
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM A woman crosses South King Street in the rain, today, in Honolulu. A flash flood warning is in effect for all of Oahu through 2 p.m.
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Cars traverse flood waters, today, in Honolulu. A flash flood warning is in effect for all of Oahu through 2 p.m.
COURTESY NOAA Radar this morning shows areas of moisture over Hawaii.
UPDATE : 4 :45 p.m.
The National Weather Service has extended the flash flood warning for the island of Oahu to 8 p.m.
'At 4 :33 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain moving over the southeastern half of Oahu, with the heaviest rain rates up to 3 inches per hour, ' the updated warning said. 'Streams along windward Oahu have been showing rises in water levels. Flash flooding is ongoing.'
Weather officials warn of flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties and other low-lying areas. Public road closures are possible in some areas. Landslides are possible in steep terrain.
The NWS advises staying away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding. The warning is in place for the entire island of Oahu.
At about 4 :05 p.m., officials from the Hawaii Department of Transportation reported a tree overhanging Pali Highway at Waokanaka, in the Kailua-bound right lane, and hitting cars. Drivers are advised to avoid the right lane.
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Earlier today, city officials reproted that Kapaa Quarry Road near Mokapu Boulevard is closed due to flooding.
The NWS has also extended a flood advisory for the island of Maui to 7 :15 p.m. Some locations that will experience flooding include Kaupo, Kipahulu, Hana, Haleakala National Park and Hamoa.
1 :50 p.m.
The National Weather Service has extended the flash flood warning for Oahu until 5 p.m. today.
'At 1 :36 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain has temporarily subsided over Oahu. Additional redevelopment is expected to move quickly over Oahu from the south with rain rates up to 2 inches per hour, ' the updated warning said.
Flash flooding is ongoing over roads across the island, forecasters said.
NWS said flooding was reported on Ft. Weaver Road at Aekai Place at about 12 :24 p.m.
The entire state remains under a flash flood watch until Friday afternoon and a high wind warning until noon Friday with winds of at least 40 mph, with gusts over 60 mph.
12 :55 p.m.
Hawaii Kai and Kalama Valley in East Oahu are under a severe thunderstorm warning until 1 :15 p.m.
'At 12 :40 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Koko Crater, moving northeast at 35 mph toward Makapuu, ' the National Weather Service said.
Forecasters said 60 mph wind gusts are possible.
'Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees, ' they said.
12 :30 p.m.
There are a number of weather-related road closures around the state :—Kapaa Quarry Place to Mokapu Boulevard is closed due to flooding.—Kokee Road on Kauai is closed at mile post 11.5 and 13 due to fallen trees.—The two left lanes of Nimitz Highway westbound are closed after River Street due to flooding. A stalled vehicle was also reported in one of the flooded lanes.
Noon The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Oahu until 12 :15 p.m.
At 11 :41 a.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Waimanalo and Hawaii Kai, moving northeast at 35 mph. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph are possible Weather officials warn of possible damage to roofs, siding and trees.
Locations affected include Kaneohe Marine Base, Hawaii Kai, Waimanalo, Kailua, Maunawili, Koko Crater, Waialae Iki, Bellows Air Force Station, Waialae, Hanauma Bay, Kalama Valley and Sandy Beach.
'For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building, ' said NWS in the warning.
Radar and automated rain gauges at 11 :58 a.m. showed heavy rain continuing to fall over the eastern portion of Oahu. Radar also indicated moderate to heavy showers developing and moving quickly over Oahu from the south. Rain was falling at a rate of up to 3 inches per hour. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
City officials said the Honolulu Zoo in Waikiki closed this morning due to the heavy rains, which resulted in flooded walkways. The zoo is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day.
As of 11 :20 a.m. play was suspended until further notice at the city's six municipal golf courses due to heavy rains and strong winds.
The Honolulu Department of Parks & Recreation says city pools will close if there is thunder and heavy rain. The Mark Takai Veterans Memorial Aquatics Center is closed today.
Numerous city parks are already closed to the public, including the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Ho 'omaluhia Botanical Garden, Wahiawa Botanical Garden, Koko Crater Botanical Garden, Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park and Hans L'Orange Neighborhood Park.
In Maui County, the state Department of Education closed all public schools on Maui, Molokai and Lanai early at 11 :45 a.m. today after consulting with the Maui Emergency Management Agency.
Arrangements were being made for buses to transport students who ride the school bus to /from school, DOE officials said. They said a decision will be made by 6 p.m. today regarding school closures on Friday.
On Kauai, emergency officials 'strongly advise the public to avoid outdoor activities in flood-prone areas like roadways, hiking trails, rivers /streams, and low-lying areas.'
The Kauai Department of Water has issued a conservation request for Hanalei, Wainiha and Haena until further notice due to an electrical power outage. Customers are advised to limit water use to essential needs only, such as drinking, cooking, and sanitation, to avoid a full water service outage.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Honolulu and Maui counties, effective until 6 p.m. today. The watch includes the cities of Honolulu, Kahului, Kaunakakai and Lanai City.
'A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area, ' said NWS. 'Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.'
Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds of 58 mph or higher, or destructive hail the size of quarters or larger.
The thunderstorm watch includes adjacent coastal waters, including all of the channels and Maalaea Bay.
11 :40 a.m.
The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement saying strong thunderstorms will affect Oahu through noon today.
At 11 :25 a.m., Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Kaneohe Marine Base to 8 miles south of Palolo. Movement was northeast at 40 mph and will move over east Honolulu, Kailua and Waimanalo through noon.
Locations impacted include Waimanalo, Kaneohe Marine Base, Hawaii Kai, Palolo, Kailua, Manoa, Maunawili, Kaneohe, Koko Crater, Kalama Valley, Aina Haina, Kaimuki, Hawaii Loa Ridge, Diamond Head, Waialae Iki, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, Bellows Air Force Station, Waialae and Makapuu Point.
'If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building, ' the NWS said. wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible The NWS, meanwhile, has canceled the flood advisory for Hawaii island.
11 :05 a.m.
A flash flood warning has been posted for Oahu through 2 p.m. today.
Radar and rain gauges at 11 :03 a.m. showed heavy rain falling over the entire island of Oahu at a rate of up to 3 inches per hour, the NWS said.
'Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly, ' the NWS said in a bulletin.
10 :45 a.m.
The flood advisory for the island of Oahu has been extended to 1 :30 p.m.
At 10 :20 a.m., radar indicated moderate to heavy showers developing and moving quickly over Oahu from the south, with rain rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour.
Some locations that will experience flooding include Honolulu, Waipio, Mililani, Pearl City, Waikele, Wahiawa, Wheeler Field, Waipahu, Aiea, Kunia, Halawa, Waiahole, Waikane, Schofield Barracks, Salt Lake, Kahaluu, Moanalua, Ahuimanu, Iroquois Point and Ewa Beach.
A flood advisory for the island of Hawaii has been extended until 1 p.m.
At 9 :38 a.m., showers have temporarily diminished although radar continues to indicate moderate to heavy showers developing and moving quickly over the southeast facing slopes of Kau, Puna and South Hilo Districts with rain rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour.
Some locations that will experience flooding include Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Volcano, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Glenwood, Mountain View, Wood Valley, Hawaiian Acres, Pahala, Orchidlands Estates, Keaau, Pahoa, Punaluu Beach, Kawa Flats, Papaikou, Naalehu, Pepeekeo, Fern Forest and Eden Roc.
Weather officials advise the public to stay away from streams, drainage ditches, and low-lying areas prone to flooding.
On Maui, Haleakala National Park closed at 10 a.m. due to worsening conditions, and is expected to remain closed through at least noon on Friday, according to a news release.
The National Weather Service, meanwhile, has canceled the severe thunderstorm watch for Kauai.
A flood watch is in effect for all Hawaiian islands until 6 p.m. Friday.
9 :50 a.m.
The flood advisory for the island of Kauai has been canceled. However, the flood advisory for Hawaii island has been extended through 1 p.m.
Radar at 9 :38 a.m. showed temporarily eased, but still moderate to heavy showers developing and moving swiftly over the southeast slopes of Kau, Puna and south Hilo districts with rain rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, the NWS said.
Some locations that will experience flooding include Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Volcano, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Glenwood, Mountain View, Wood Valley, Hawaiian Acres, Pahala, Orchidlands Estates, Keaau, Pahoa, Punaluu Beach, Kawa Flats, Papaikou, Naalehu, Pepeekeo, Fern Forest and Eden Roc.
8 :50 a.m.
The island of Kauai is under a severe thunderstorm watch as a large storm system begins to hit the state.
'A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings, ' the National Weather Service advisory says.
Severe thunderstorms produce damaging winds of 58 mph or higher or destructive hail the size of quarters of larger, according to forecasters.
An earlier thunderstorm warning for Kauai has expired.
At 1 a.m., a thunderstorm wind gust of 58 mph was recorded in Lihue, NWS said.
7 :50 a.m.
The flood advisory for the island of Kauai has been extended through 10 :45 a.m. today.
Radar at 7 :21 a.m. showed moderate to heavy showers developing and moving over Kauai from the south, with rain falling at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, the NWS said.
Water levels are elevated in streams across much of the island and runoff affecting low-lying areas is possible.
Some locations that will experience flooding include Lihue, Kapaa, Kalaheo, Kekaha, Princeville, Kilauea, North Fork Wailua Trails, Alakai Swamp Trails, Lawai, Omao, Kokee State Park, Wailua Homesteads, Hanalei, Hanapepe, Wainiha, Na Pali State Park, Koloa, Haena, Waimea and Wailua.
7 :15 a.m.
A Hawaiian Airlines flight from Honolulu to Lihue was canceled today due to the weather.
A passenger on the plane, flight HA133, said the captain initially announced a delay due to being unable to land at Lihue Airport.
Hawaiian Airlines flight HA134 from Lihue to Honolulu was also canceled.
Hawaiian Airlines is offering to customers affected by the weather.
7 a.m.
The flood advisory for Hawaii island has been extended through 10 a.m.
Radar at 6 :40 a.m. showed moderate to heavy showers developing and moving quickly over the southeast-facing slopes of Kau, Puna and south Hilo districts, according to the NWS. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.
6 :45 a.m.
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for the island of Kauai.
At 6 :42 a.m., radar showed a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles south of Eleele, moving northeast at 40 mph and headed toward southeast Kauai.
In addition to wind gusts up to 60 mph, the National Weather Service said to remain alert for possible tornadoes. 'Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure, ' weather officials said.
Locations affected by the warning include Lihue, Anahola, Wailua, Hanapepe, Omao, North Fork Wailua Trails, Koloa, Moloaa, Kapaa, Lawai, Wailua Homesteads and Kalaheo.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE The National Weather Service has issued multiple warnings and advisories as a powerful storm system moves through the islands, bringing the threat of severe thunderstorms, damaging winds and flash flooding through Friday.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Kauai and its adjacent coastal waters until noon today, with the potential for damaging winds over 58 mph and hail the size of quarters or larger.
A high wind warning remains active for Oahu, Kauai and Niihau until noon Friday, with sustained winds of 20 to 35 mph and gusts over 60 mph that could bring down trees and power lines. Maui County also came under a high wind warning at 6 a.m.
Additionally, flood advisories have been issued for Kauai and Hawaii island due to excessive rainfall. On Kauai, heavy showers are moving in from the south, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, leading to rising stream levels and minor flooding in low-lying areas. The advisory remains in effect until 7 :45 a.m. today but may be extended if conditions persist. On Hawaii island, heavy rain is soaking the Ka 'u, Puna and South Hilo districts, with a flood advisory in effect until 7 a.m. today.
A flood watch is in place for all Hawaiian Islands through 6 p.m. Friday, as the approaching cold front brings the potential for widespread flash flooding and thunderstorms.
Weather officials say damaging winds could knock down trees and power lines and cause structural damage, particularly on Oahu, Kauai and Niihau.
Flash flooding could lead to road closures, urban runoff and dangerous conditions in streams and low-lying areas.
Residents and visitors are urged to secure loose outdoor items, stay indoors if possible and avoid driving through flooded roads. Boaters and mariners should take extra caution, as hazardous conditions are expected in coastal waters.
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