Honolulu, HI – Flooding concerns ramp up across Hawaii within hours, with heavy rain set to begin by 6 p.m. Thursday and intensify into the weekend, threatening roads, neighborhoods, and low-lying areas statewide.
According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a Flood Watch is in effect for Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island from Thursday evening through 6 p.m. Sunday. A strengthening kona low west of the islands is pulling deep tropical moisture north, setting up repeated rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall. The most intense downpours are expected between Friday night and Saturday.
On Oahu, areas along the H-1 corridor, Kamehameha Highway, and low-lying parts of Honolulu Metro and the Ewa Plain could see rapid ponding and possible road closures. Windward communities and the North Shore are especially vulnerable to runoff from saturated terrain. Maui’s Central Valley and Haleakala slopes may experience fast-rising streams, while parts of the Big Island, including Kona and Hilo regions, could see localized flooding in poor drainage areas.
Officials urge residents to avoid driving through water-covered roads, charge devices ahead of potential outages, and monitor alerts closely. Conditions can change quickly, and Flash Flood Warnings may be issued with little notice.
The flood threat will persist through Sunday afternoon as the storm system slowly shifts north, with additional advisories likely if rainfall bands stall over any island.
