The powerful Kona Low that brought days of heavy rain and flooding to Hawaii has weakened. However, additional rain will be possible as high atmospheric moisture remains centered across the islands and another Kona Low develops.
HAWAII – Another Kona Low is heading towards Hawaii on Thursday, bringing additional rain and gusty winds to the island.
This comes after an initial storm caused torrential rain and hurricane-force winds, leading to flash flooding around the Aloha State and blizzard conditions in the mountains.
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The storm resulted in widespread road closures, downed power lines and property damage from flooding, landslides and sinkholes.
The Hawaii State Department of Health issued multiple brown water advisories for residents and visitors to avoid affected ocean waters due to the excessive stormwater runoff that may have a high bacteria count and can lead to health hazards. These advisories are still in place.
Motorists navigated through the flooded streets in Maui County as a powerful Kona low impacted the region. Major flooding was also observed on Big Island and Oahu.
As of Wednesday, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reopened, including the Kilauea Military Camp and most of the backcountry areas besides Mauna Loa. The park plans on reopening the Kahuku Unit by Thursday morning as well.
Park officials are still warning visitors to drive carefully and watch out for brush and tephra on the roads and trails.
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Ahead of the storm, Governor Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation on March 9 to allow the state to take proactive steps to protect public health and safety, coordinate resources across agencies and support county emergency response efforts as conditions developed.
“Our priority is keeping the people of Hawaiʻi safe,” Governor Green said. “By issuing this emergency proclamation now, we are ensuring that state and county agencies have the resources and flexibility needed to respond quickly to flooding, severe weather and any impacts this storm may bring.”
As the Kona Low progressed throughout the week, Maui Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross opened shelters, which more than 100 residents are still utilizing countywide.
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Meanwhile, the city and county of Honolulu released an online form for residents to report damage to their homes.
(FOX Weather)
The upcoming Kona Low is expected to be relatively mundane compared to last week’s powerful storm.
WHAT IS THE JET STREAM?
Currently, atmospheric moisture and a weak dip in the jet stream remains over the region, causing light winds and occasional showers.
Maui resident Brittany Wagner joins FOX Weather to talk about the Kona Low that has left her without power for over 36 hours, and caused damage and flooding nearby.
As the storm begins to form west of the islands starting Thursday, it will tap into the moisture and deliver periods of heavy rain and flash flooding through early next week.
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Some areas, including Maui, have already experienced more than 50 inches of rainfall and over 135 mph wind gusts in less than a week.
While it is too early to determine which islands will be most impacted, saturated soils and elevated waterways from recent rains will maintain a statewide risk of life-threatening flash flooding.
WHAT IS A KONA LOW?
Stay with FOX Weather as this storm continues to unfold.
