Lane Rainfall Marks Third Highest Storm Total in US Since 1950

Preliminary rainfall totals for Big Island and Maui. PC: NWS/NOAA

Preliminary rainfall measurements from Hawaiʻi over the last four days, associated with former Hurricane Lane have produced the “third highest storm total rainfall from a tropical cyclone in the US since 1950,” according to information compiled by Chis Jacobson, senior forecaster with the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

On Maui, the greatest rainfall totals were at West Wailuaiki (between Keʻanae and Nāhiku) in East Maui where more than 24 inches fell over four days, followed by Puʻu Kukui  (Mauna Kahalawai) in the West Maui Mountains where nearly 15 inches were reported over the same period.

According to preliminary data, the greatest rainfall totals were in Mountain view on Hawaii Island where 51.53 inches of rain fell over the period.  That’s the third highest total (subject to final quality control) on record for a tropical cyclone in the US behind No. 1 Nederland, Texas during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which had more than 60 inches; and No. 2 Kanalo Huluhulu Ranger Station at Kōkeʻe on Kauaʻi during Hurricane Hiki in 1950 that dumped 52 inches at the location.

The data include preliminary rainfall totals covering the period from noon HST on Wednesday, Aug. 22 through 4 a.m. HST on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018.

(Data/Info Courtesy: forecaster Jacobson / National Weather Service / NOAA)

Island of Maui
West Wailuaiki (USGS) : 24.71
Puʻu Kukui (USGS) : 14.96
Haʻikū : 10.34
Hāna Airport : 8.14

Island of Hawaiʻi
Mountain View : 51.53
Waiakea Uka : 49.10
Piʻihonua : 47.48
Saddle Quarry (USGS) : 47.20
Waiakea Experiment Station : 43.99
Pāhoa : 37.28
Glenwood : 35.40
Kulani NWR : 28.52
Keaumo : 24.35
Kawainui Stream (USGS) : 16.03
Puʻu Mali : 13.70