Flash flooding from kona storm may impact Big Island beginning Wednesday

As a powerful kona storm begins to impact the western end of the state today, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the Big Island beginning Wednesday.

Kona lows refer to strong, low-pressure systems that bring stormy weather to Hawaiʻi and are responsible for most extreme weather during the winter months.

Due to the incoming weather, forecasters have issued a flood watch as well as a special weather statement for the Big Island from Wednesday evening until Saturday afternoon.

A flood watch means considerable flash flooding is possible beginning Wednesday as the storm develops northwest of the state and draws deep tropical moisture across the islands.

Persistent bands of heavy rain and thunderstorms may produce intense rainfall rates, leading to rapid rises in streams and flooding of roads and low-lying areas.

Significant flooding is expected from the overflow of streams and drainages, and roads in several areas may be closed, along with property damage in urban or low-lying spots due to runoff. Landslides may also occur in areas with steep terrain.

In addition to the heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorm threat, strong and potentially damaging kona winds are possible this week. The possibility of large hail cannot be ruled out, according to the National Weather Service.