USA: Unfavorable weather forecast for parts of Hawaii through at least January 31

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A winter storm system has been affecting parts of Hawaii since January 27 and is expected to continue bringing adverse weather conditions across much of the state through late January 30 to early January 31. The weather system will bring strong winds and rough seas, heavy rains and snowfall over higher ground. Flooding was recently reported in Maui County, resulting in road closures. Public schools on the island of Molokai in Maui County will close January 30 due to the flooding and some public transportation has been halted. Further heavy downpours could trigger additional flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds can cause wind damage, power outages and rough seas. Heavy snowfall is likely in elevated areas of the Big Island and will be accompanied by strong winds; Dangerous travel conditions are likely due to the reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

As of January 30, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued the following weather warnings for Hawaii and surrounding coastal waters:

• Winter Storm Warning: Big Island Summit.

• Storm warning: For most offshore waters around Hawaii.

• flood watch: Kauai East; Kauai Mountains; Kauai South; Kauai Southwest; Central Oahu; East Honolulu; Ewa plain; Honolulu Subway; Koolau leeward; Koolau Windward; North Shore of Oahu; Olomana; Waianae Coast; Waianae Mountains; kahoolawe; Lanai Mauka; Maui Windward West; Molokai Windward; Kauai North; Niihau; Haleakala Summit; Kipahulu; Windward Lanai; lanai south; Windward Lanai; Maui Central Valley North; Maui Central Valley South; Maui Leeward West; Molokai Leeward South; Molokai North; Molokai Southeast; Molokai West; South Haleakala; South Maui, Interior; Windward Haleakala; Big Island East; Big Island interior; Big Island North; Big Island South; Big Island Southeast; Kohala; and Kona.

• Gale Watch and Advice for Small Boats: Kauai Northwest Waters and Kauai Leeward Waters.

• Wind notice: Central Oahu; East Honolulu; Ewa plain; Honolulu Subway; Kauai East; Kauai Mountains; Kauai North; Kauai South; Kauai Southwest; Koolau leeward; Koolau Windward; Niihau; North Shore of Oahu; Olomana; Waianae Coast; and Waianae Mountains.

• High surf notice: Molokai North; Molokai West; Molokai Windward; North Shore of Oahu; Waianae Coast; Kauai North; Kauai Southwest; Niihau; Kauai East; Maui Central Valley North; Maui Windward West; and Windward Haleakala.

Authorities are likely to issue new warnings or update/remove existing advice if weather conditions change in the coming days.

Dangerous Circumstances
Where precipitation falls as rain, flash flooding and widespread flooding are possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, and in urban areas with easily overburdened stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may experience flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

At higher altitudes, it could fall in the form of snow in the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing snow and blowing snow; Reduced visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-related landslides cannot be ruled out in areas with elevated terrain. Power outages may occur throughout the affected area.

transport
Flooding and associated debris can make some bridges or roads impassable, affecting interurban transportation throughout Hawaii. Flooding in urban areas could also cause significant traffic congestion. Heavy snowfall is likely to make driving dangerous in some areas; Authorities could implement temporary road closures or diversions in such places. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precaution in heavy snowfall.

The disruptive weather is likely to result in some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily halt port operations if strong winds create dangerous sea conditions and affect cargo and passenger ship traffic.

advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and alerts. Confirm all transportation reservations and business arrangements before traveling to Hawaii. Find out current road conditions before driving or directing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; Plan for possible supply chain disruptions in the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to drive on flooded roads. Be careful on elevated terrain because of the risk of landslides and mountainous areas where there is a risk of avalanches. Charge battery-powered devices during extended power outages.

resources

National Weather Service
Hawaii Emergency Management Agency