Hawaiʻi County officials urge public to be storm ready ahead of second kona low

A second kona low in as many weeks could bring more heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding as early as tonight, March 19, to the Big Island and Hawaiʻi County officials urge the public to be prepared.

This storm is not expected to be as severe as the powerful kona low that slammed into the island last weekend; however, ground remains saturated, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.

BE AWARE: Areas that flooded during the first storm could flood faster with additional rainfall from the impending kona low because of that ground saturation.

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu issued a statewide flood watch in effect through Sunday afternoon, March 22.

“As we recover from the last kona low, it is important to remain vigilant and ready for what this other system could bring,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda in a county release urging storm readiness. “Now is the time to make sure your property is ready and to check on your friends, neighbors and family members, who may need extra help following last week’s storm.”

The incoming kona low is anticipated to produce several rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall, with peak impacts for Hawaiʻi Island expected from Friday night, March 20, through Sunday.

Prepare for flooding

• Check drainage areas around your property.
• Request sandbags from Hawaiʻi County Department of Public Works via email dpwhwy@hawaiicounty.gov or by calling 808-961-8321 If you are concerned about flooding.
• Never cross moving water, on foot or in a vehicle: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
• Have a “go bag” ready in case evacuation is necessary or ordered, especially if your home is in an area prone to flooding. It should include food, water, necessary medication, important documents and other necessities for all your household members — including pets.
• Check in with neighbors, especially those who might have mobility problems, to make sure they have a safe way to evacuate if necessary.

Storm recovery

Residents in need of assistance following last weekend’s powerful kona low are encouraged to submit a request for assistance. Vibrant Hawaiʻi, in partnership with the county, established a request-for-assistance form available online.

Residents and businesses are also encouraged to submit damage reports, which assist the county with identifying priorities and focusing resources if state or federal disaster assistance becomes available.

Damage reports can be submitted online or by calling Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense at 808-935-0031.

Request a welfare check by contacting Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense at the same number above or via email at civildefense@hawaiicounty.gov if you have not been able to contact a family member, friend or neighbor following the last storm.

Drone surveys

Residents are advised that Drone surveys could occur in the Nānāwale and Leilani Estates areas throughout about the next 24 hours to assist recovery efforts and identify storm damage.

The surveys are for the sole purpose of disaster recovery and conducted through a partnership between Hawaiʻi County and University of Hawaiʻi.

Drone flights are weather dependent, limited to daylight hours and will occur in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations.

Contact Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense at 808-935-0031 with any questions about drone surveys.

Stay informed

Hawaiʻi County will provide updates as conditions evolve.

Residents can receive emergency notifications by signing up for alerts at the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense website.

The public also is encouraged to view the Hawaiʻi County Hazard Impact Map for up-to-date information about road closures and other storm-related impacts.

You can also find the most updated weather forecast information and news at Big Island Now.