Home Care In Honolulu, HI

Honolulu, Hawaii – Hazardous weather conditions are expected to continue across much of Hawaii through Monday, with flooding and strong winds posing risks to travel and infrastructure.

According to the National Weather Service Honolulu office, a Flood Watch remains in effect for the entire state through Monday, excluding the highest summits of the Big Island. Forecast heavy rainfall may lead to flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, with heightened concerns in urban locations where rapid runoff can overwhelm drainage systems.

In addition to the flooding threat, a High Wind Warning is in effect from Sunday morning through Monday for all smaller islands and portions of the Big Island. Sustained winds of 30 miles per hour or higher are expected, with peak gusts potentially exceeding 60 miles per hour.

Major roadways including Interstate H-1, H-2, and H-3 on Oahu may be impacted by hazardous driving conditions. Strong crosswinds can make travel difficult for high-profile vehicles, while heavy rain may reduce visibility and cause ponding on road surfaces. Officials caution that downed tree limbs, unsecured objects, and localized power outages are possible during the warning period.

The NWS indicated that the greatest risk for flash flooding is across windward sections of the islands, where persistent rainfall can quickly overwhelm streams and roadways. Urban areas may also experience rapid flooding due to intense rainfall rates.

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid driving through flooded roads, and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions. The National Weather Service emphasized the importance of the “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” message, noting that floodwaters can rise quickly and be deceptively dangerous.

For commuters, service workers, and travelers, impacts may be most significant during periods of heavy rain and peak winds, particularly along coastal highways and mountain passes.

The NWS stated that conditions will be monitored closely and additional updates will be issued as needed. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official weather.gov/hawaii updates and local emergency alerts.

UPDATE: 6:13 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Hawaii island until 9 p.m.

Radar showed heavy rain over the Hamakua Coast, with the heaviest rain falling in and around Honokaa.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Kapaau, Honokaa, Waipio Valley, Kamuela, Kukuihaele, Waimanu Valley, Pololu Valley, Paauilo, Kawaihae, Kohala Ranch, Halaula, Hawi, Ookala, Laupahoehoe, Ninole and Mahukona.

3:25 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for most Hawaiian islands for Sunday and Monday.

The warning covers Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Niihau, Oahu, and portions of Hawaii island from 6 a.m. Sunday until 6 p.m. Monday. “Areas most at risk include higher terrain, passes, and areas immediately south and west of mountains,” the warning says.

Forecasters expect east winds from 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph Sunday morning, strengthening to 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph by late afternoon into the evening.

“Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines and damage roofs. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles,” the warning states.

The weather service said the strong winds can cause property damage.

“Hazardous driving conditions due to powerful cross-winds will pose a serious risk for drivers, especially for light weight and high profile vehicles,” forecasters said. “Loose outdoor items should be brought inside or secured properly … Stay away from downed power lines.”

2:40 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for Hawaii island this afternoon.

”At 2:22 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain over the North Kohala District of the Big Island. Rain is falling at a rate of 2 to 4 inches per hour,” the advisory said. “The heaviest rain is currently falling over the Waipio Valley area.”

The advisory, which is in effect until 5:30 p.m., covers Kapaau, Pololu Valley, Waimanu Valley, Waipio Valley, Halaula, Kohala Ranch, Kamuela, Kukuihaele and Hawi.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

Hawaii is under a slew of weather advisories as a weekend storm system arrived today, packing heavy rain and strong winds statewide, and a foot or more of snow on Hawaii island summits, forecasters said.

The storm front moved over the western islands overnight and is expected to stall out over Maui later today, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

Early today, rain and moderate to breezy north winds with frequent gusts of 35 to 40 mph were recorded across Kauai and Oahu, with the storm system moving over Molokai later in the morning.

The weather service said before dawn this morning a large tree was reported down on Kapolei Parkway near Costco due to the high winds. On Maui, a wind gust of 62 mph was recorded in Kahului before noon, according to NWS.

“Radar imagery shows scattered to numerous showers across the smaller islands, with a few showers affecting east and southeast facing slopes of the Big Island,” NWS forecasters said early this morning. The storm system threatens to bring heavy rainfall and flash flooding across the state, “with a couple rumbles of thunder not out of the question Sunday through Monday.”

A Flood Watch is in effect from noon today through Monday afternoon, with the greatest risk for flash flooding in windward areas, officials said.

In addition, the weather service issued the following alerts:

>> A high wind watch for all islands with sustained east winds of 25 to 40 mph and gusts over 60 mph possible. “Take precautions now to protect property. Tie down loose objects,” forecasters said.

>> A high surf warning for north and west shores of Kahoolawe, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, and Oahu, and the north shores of Maui until 6 p.m. today with “dangerously large breaking waves” of 20 to 26 feet along north shores and 15 to 20 feet along west shores.

>> A high surf advisory for the west shores of Hawaii island with waves from 7 to 10 feet until 6 p.m. today.

>> A winter storm watch for Big Island summits over 11,000 feet from this evening through Monday afternoon. Forecasters expect heavy snow with total accumulations of over 12 inches possible and winds gusts as high as 45 mph.

Forecasters said “conditions will gradually improve for the middle and latter portion of next week, although a somewhat showery and breezy tradewind pattern will likely persist.”

UPDATE: FRIDAY, 3:40 p.m.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation today, alerting residents to prepare for severe weather this weekend and making state resources available if needed.

“Preparations will be of utmost importance, given major televised sporting events this weekend that will occupy many peoples’ focus,” said a news release from Office of the Governor, referring to the Winter Olympics and Sunday’s Super Bowl.

Green, along with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, urge residents and visitors to prepare for severe weather impacting all islands from Saturday through Monday. The entire state is under a flood watch from Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon.

The National Weather Service expects a cold front from the northwest to bring as much as 10 inches of rain to some areas this weekend, which could cause flash flooding. Scattered thunderstorms and high winds are also expected.

Forecasters predict potentially damaging winds of up to 40 mph or more, with gusts up to 58 mph or more.

The most dangerous weather is expected on Sunday evening into Monday, according to HI-EMA, which warned of possible flash floods and damaging high winds that could lead to power outages and downed tree limbs.

The emergency proclamation will remain effect until Wednesday, and may be extended if necessary, officials said.

HI-EMA recommends residents make the following preparations:

>> Make sure you are receiving local emergency alerts about severe weather developments in your area. Sign up at www.ready.hawaii.gov/alerts .

>> Prepare for power outages. Consider how you will operate without electricity, including communicating, getting information, running medical devices, storing food and cooking.

>> Have a plan in case of emergencies. Know a safe place to go, like the home of a friend or relative, in case you lose power or need to get away from flash flooding in your area.

>> Pack a Go Bag in case you need to leave quickly with essential items like water, food, medicine, first aid kid, a cell phone battery, a flashlight, a radio, extra batteries, infant supplies and pet supplies. Visit www.ready.gov/kit for a full supply list to consider.

>> Check your home’s stock of emergency supplies. If you lose power, you could lose running water. Have drinking water ready, plus shelf-stable food that is ready to eat, a radio and flashlight with extra batteries, cell phone batteries, personal hygiene supplies, pet food and first aid.

>> Prepare your property for high winds and heavy rain. Pick up loose objects that could be blown about; move or secure outdoor furniture and grills; remove weak or dead tree limbs; secure gutters and shutters; clear drains and gutters to ensure drainage; check your sump pump for operability; and move valuable objects to higher levels in case of floods.

>> Be extremely cautious during heavy rains with possible flooding. Flash floods are a serious threat that have been deadly in Hawaii. Stay away from streams, ravines, valleys and river mouths. Do not hike; terrain will be unstable and prone to landslides. Be aware that paved streets will funnel floodwaters; do not enter or drive through floodwaters. Don’t swim after a flash flood; contaminated brown water can run off into the ocean or swimming pools.

>> Check on your neighbors and relatives to make sure they are aware of these hazards. Lend a hand to people around you who may need help preparing or mobilizing.

10 a.m.

The National Weather Service has upgraded the high surf advisory to a high surf warning for the north and west shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu and Molokai. The situation is escalating quickly as a large west-northwest swell builds down the island chain.

Forecasters are expecting high impacts, with surf peaking tonight at 20 to 25 feet along north shores and 15 to 20 feet on west shores. Ocean safety officials are warning of powerful currents and waves breaking across channel entrances, which may make maritime navigation dangerous.

Additionally, high surf advisories have been issued for the north shores of Maui from 6 p.m. today through 6 p.m. Saturday, and for the west shores of Hawaii island from 6 a.m. Saturday through 6 p.m. Saturday.

Forecasters expect affected shores on Maui to see waves up to 22 feet tonight. “The swell will decline sharply Saturday afternoon and evening, with surf expected to fall below advisory levels by Sunday morning,” the NWS said in a bulletin.

Residents in low-lying coastal areas should be prepared for potential road closures due to wave run-up. The swell is expected to hit Maui’s north shores this evening and reach Hawaii island’s west shores by Saturday morning.

EARLIER COVERAGE

A strong cold front is moving toward the Hawaiian islands, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a statewide flood watch effective from Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon.

The primary threat comes from a cold front approaching Kauai that is expected to stall over Maui County this weekend. This stalling action, combined with an upper-level disturbance, will allow deep tropical moisture to pool over the island chain.

Forecasters warn that heavy rainfall and potential thunderstorms beginning Saturday afternoon could lead to rapid runoff, overflowing streams, and property damage, particularly in windward areas.

While the flood threat looms for the weekend, a massive northwest swell is already affecting the islands. A high surf advisory remains in effect for the north and west shores of Niihau, Kauai and Oahu, where waves are expected to reach up to 20 feet. Weather officials expect to upgrade this to a high surf warning later today as the swell peaks.

On Hawaii island, the storm is expected to take a wintry turn at high elevations. A winter storm watch has been issued for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa above 11,000 feet, where total snow accumulations could exceed 12 inches, accompanied by wind gusts reaching 50 mph.

Conditions statewide will deteriorate rapidly through Saturday as winds shift to the northeast and strengthen. Today will remain mostly sunny with isolated showers and moderate vog, seeing highs between 77 and 84 degrees and lows between 65 and 70 degrees.

Saturday will bring clouds, breezier northeast winds at 15 to 25 mph, and a high chance of rain as the vog begins to clear.