#Flash Flood

With the severe weather including thunderstorms and flash flooding forecast to arrive this week, Hawaiian Electric is proactively preparing to respond as it monitors developing weather conditions.

While the first storm (March 10–16) brought hurricane-force wind gusts of 135.4 mph to Hawaiʻi Island and up to 62 inches of rain to Maui, the second kona storm between March 19 and 23 triggered a new wave of devastation. The second storm dumped up to 61 inches of rain in localized areas, producing destructive floods across eastern and central Molokaʻi, West Maui and Oʻahu.

Coast Guard and Navy aircrews rescued seven people and one dog during flash floods on Oʻahu Friday. A larger rescue effort by multiple agencies resulted in the rescue of at least 196 people, according to an earlier report from the governor.

To prepare for a powerful kona storm, Mayor Richard Bissen signed an emergency proclamation on Tuesday, that lets the county access state and federal assistance and streamlines procedures to quickly deploy resources, personnel and services if needed.

With heavy rains and strong winds expected this week, Hawaiian Electric is closely monitoring weather forecasts and urges customers to check their emergency preparations and prepare for the possibility of power outages.  According to the National Weather Service forecast, a potent winter low pressure system will develop west of the islands Wednesday night, pass by […]

The girls—ages 14, 14 and 16—became trapped by rising water at around 2:54 p.m. in an area of the river mauka of Mokuhau Park. The girls sought refuge on a large rock in the middle of the stream until Rescue 10 personnel aboard the department’s Air 1 helicopter, lifted the teens to safety.

Two people were rescued from separate areas of ʻĪao Valley as fast-moving water swept a man downstream and left a child stranded during a Flash Flood at Wailuku River, Sunday.

Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. The Flood Watch is in effect for all the main Hawaiian islands, with the greatest threat over windward areas.

The EP was signed on Wednesday and allows the Adjutant General to activate units of the National Guard to work in coordination with local authorities, emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders to mitigate the impact of the kona low storm.

An unusually strong upper level disturbance is expected to approach the islands later Friday into Saturday, bringing the possibility of very active weather to portions of the state. The latest guidance indicates a possibility for severe thunderstorms, which could produce damaging winds and large hail, as well as the possibility for localized intense rainfall and flash flooding, according to the NWS.

Due to the severity of the drought in some areas of the state, additional significant rain events will be needed for full drought recovery, which is not likely within the winter months due to the ongoing strong El Niño event. 

The Flash Flood Warning is canceled for the island of Maui as of 2:38 p.m. The National Weather Service reports that the heavy rain has ended. Hāna Highway has been reopened, but portions of Piʻilani Highway remain closed. A Flood Watch remains in effect until 6 p.m. on Friday for all of the main Hawaiian Islands.

On Maui, hikers have been rescued from places like the “Bamboo Forest” in Kailua, the upper reaches of ʻĪao Valley, and East Maui’s Kaihalulu Beach. A swift water rescue at Waioka in Hāna earlier this month ended tragically when a visitor died in a flash flood event at the location.

Maui Now compiled a Do and Don’t list for the 2 million tourists a year with whom we share our islands with.

The Island of Maui is under a Flood Advisory until noon on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018.

Additional heavy rainfall may develop  later this morning as Tropical Storm Lane lingers southwest of Maui,  and a Flash Flood Watch remains posted.

Five hikers were airlifted from the “Bamboo Forest” in the East Maui area of Kailua on Sunday, after becoming stranded by rising stream waters.

The system will combine with an upper level trough to bring the threat of heavy rain and flash flooding mainly from Oʻahu eastward to the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.

The National Weather Service has CONTINUED the FLASH FLOOD WATCH for MAUI COUNTY, in effect now until Sunday afternoon.

The areas at greatest risk are the east and southeast slopes of all islands, though any given location could experience excessive rainfall and flash flooding.