Upcoming storm is forecast to bring severe weather to Hawaiʻi County this week

County of Hawaiʻi officials are encouraging residents and visitors to prepare for the arrival of a storm system this week that could bring another round of flooding and thunderstorms.

Locally heavy downpours can produce rapidly rising floodwaters, especially on ground still wet from recent damaging storms. Lightning and gusty winds could also impact areas across Hawaiʻi Island, and officials are working together to reduce risks for residents and visitors.

“We are again looking at the potential for flash flooding and thunderstorms with this weather system, including in areas that were previously hit the hardest,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “As we prepare for the possibility of more severe weather, we are regularly communicating with Merrie Monarch Festival and craft fair organizers as well as the visitor industry to ensure everyone stays safe, aware and connected.”

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the entire state from Wednesday morning through Friday afternoon due to the storm system, which is forecast to produce periods of moderate to heavy rainfall with possible thunderstorms.

Peak rainfall is forecast from Wednesday night through Friday. Puna and Kaʻū districts could see the highest rainfall amounts with this storm system, with Kona also at increased risk starting Thursday.

Southerly winds are expected, with gusts of 30 to 40 mph forecast in lower elevations. Peak wind impacts are expected on Thursday and Friday.

“This storm has a lot of energy and moisture, so we’re urging everyone to prepare for the worst,” said Talmadge Magno, administrator of Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense. “It’s one thing to get five or eight inches of rain over several days, but this storm also could drop that much in a matter of hours – it’s just not clear where or when.”

Hele-On bus and paratransit passengers should prepare for the potential of route modifications or cancellations due to inclement weather.

Officials also are monitoring Kīlauea volcano for Episode 44, which is expected to erupt between today and April 15, according to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Depending on wind conditions, communities near and downwind of Kīlauea could experience volcanic tephra, including ash and Pele’s hair, and southerly winds are more likely to push tephra toward Highway 11.

For tephra safety information, visit the Civil Defense website.

General safety suggestions include:

• If severe weather threatens, avoid unnecessary travel. If you must travel, use extra caution when on the roadway.
• Never try to cross moving water, on foot or in a vehicle: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
• Know the areas that are prone to flooding, particularly those near your home. Heavy rain uphill from your location can cause flooding, even if it’s not raining where you are.
• Monitor local forecasts from reliable sources for the latest information about the storm and its potential hazards.
• Have a battery- or crank-powered radio to receive information during a power outage. (Don’t forget the car radio.)
• If lightning threatens, the safest place to be is indoors. If you’re in a vehicle, stay in the vehicle.
• Have a “go bag” ready in case you must evacuate the area, especially if your home is in an area prone to flooding. It should include food, water, necessary medication, important documents, and other necessities for the members of your household (including pets) if you need to leave in a hurry.
• Check in with neighbors, especially those who may have mobility problems, to make sure they have a safe way to evacuate if flooding strikes.

Sandbags can be requested by contacting the Department of Public Works at dpwhwy@hawaiicounty.gov or 808-961-8321.

The county will provide updates as conditions evolve. Residents can receive emergency notifications by signing up for Civil Defense alerts on their website at bit.ly/HCCDAlerts.

For more information, view the County Hazard Impact Map.