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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A winter storm is bringing high winds and rainfall to many island communities, and forecasters say the risk of flash flooding will continue into Monday.
A flood watch for the state remains in effect while Oahu is also under a flood warning.
A wind warning is in place for Oahu, Kauai and Niihau with sustained winds up to 35 mph and gusts up to 45 mph.
And a winter storm warning is in effect for the peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Lea.
The National Weather Service said heavy showers are expected on Oahu and the island of Hawaii through Sunday night, and the risk of flash flooding will continue through Monday as the ground is saturated.
“Periods of extreme rainfall will be possible and everyone should monitor the weather closely during this time,” the weather service said. “Improving weather conditions are expected Monday night through Tuesday as the upper low and surface trough weaken and slowly drift westward away from the state.”
At 10:00 p.m. HST radar indicated heavy showers over parts of Molokai and western Maui. Moderate to locally heavy showers will continue to hit Oahu across the Big Island today. Flash flood threats are increasing sharply across the state tonight through Monday. #hiwx pic.twitter.com/39JfIFacaT
— NWSHonolulu (@NWSHonolulu) January 29, 2023
On Sunday afternoon, the weather service announced that the radar had shown heavy showers over Molokai and Maui.
Here is a list of all active weather alerts.
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The unstable weather conditions have caused flooding in several communities.
On Oahu, a tree fell on a power line near the Kamehameha Highway near Haleiwa on Sunday. The highway was closed in both directions as crews worked to repair the track.
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On the south coast of Friendly Island, rain has made several roads impassable.
“The current was so strong it shook the truck we were in, and it’s four-wheel drive,” said Shaye Lauifi of Molokai.
Lauifi had to venture out of Kaunakakai on Sunday morning to check on the fish ponds she manages. She is used to working in rainy conditions, but today was different.
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“It’s never been this bad. But we had a rain shower like this in December. So not even a month later. And all the rivers opened up again.”
Many took heed of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency’s warning — to stay home and limit travel through these dangerous conditions.
“We really urge those who know that these valleys and thoroughfares, which tend to be inundated by this type of flooding, to steer clear of the road, to refrain from driving through flooded areas and to check on your neighbors as you begin to make impacts to see,” said Luke Meyers of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.
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