Flash flood watches and flood watches have been issued for parts of Oahu, Hawaii, with authorities warning residents in Honolulu, Waikiki, Pearl City, Kailua and Waipahu to remain vigilant due to severe flooding. rain Thunderstorms can increase the risk of dangerous flooding.
“High-impact and potentially life-threatening weather pattern” with heavy rain, flash floodThe National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting strong winds, severe thunderstorms and mountain snow in Hawaii this week.
“We could easily see over 20 inches in the hardest hit areas, but that’s just a ballpark estimate” through Saturday, said Laura Farris, a meteorologist with the Hawaii Weather Service office.
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Areas threatened by flash floods
A weather alert issued by the National Weather Service’s Honolulu office highlighted that several densely populated areas on Oahu may face flooding due to excessive rainfall.
Areas of Waipahu, Kailua and Pearl City on Oahu were identified by officials as being under an extended flash flood warning.
The heavy rain is associated with a severe Kona low storm system that is expected to cause widespread flooding in multiple areas of Hawaii through March 14, according to the National Weather Service.
The densely populated metropolitan area on the island’s leeward side is among the affected areas, officials said. Authorities also shared a warning map showing high-risk areas affecting an estimated 1,013,503 people.
Officials said heavy rainfall could overwhelm drainage systems and cause streams to rise rapidly, potentially inundating roads and communities. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from flooded roads and waterways.
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Gale warnings are in place
Additionally, southwesterly winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 70 mph are expected in Kauai County, Oahu and Maui. Strong gusts are possible across the island, but towns to the north and east of the mountains will be particularly affected.
A high wind warning is in effect from 6 p.m. HST Thursday to 6 a.m. HST Sunday.
Power lines, trees and roofs can all be destroyed by damaging winds. There may be power outages. Travel will also be challenging, especially in a high-visibility car.
Rainfall rates in places such as Waikiki and downtown Honolulu ranged from one to three inches per hour.
