A developing Kona Low is bringing the potential for flooding rain and thunderstorms to Hawaii this week.
HONOLULU – Hawaii is bracing for a week of heavy rain and thunderstorms, increasing the risk of flooding as a Kona Low promises to pull in tropical moisture from the south while also putting a dent in the Aloha State’s worst drought since 2010.
The FOX Forecast Center says the developing Kona Low will be weak at first as it slowly drifts east toward Kauai through Tuesday.
The futuretrack in Hawaii through Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.
(FOX Weather)
Rain is expected to increase over the western half of the state, including Kauai, from late Monday through Tuesday and over Oahu by Tuesday morning.
The Kona Low will then drop in from the northwest on Tuesday and set up just to the west of Kauai by Wednesday.
Hawaiian weather often brings to mind visions of abundant sunshine, but Kona Low storm systems frequently bring tremendous amounts of precipitation to the islands.
At that point, the FOX Forecast Center warns the Kona Low will become stronger with deeper southerly winds, which will pull in the deep tropical moisture across the eastern half of the state.
The unstable tropical atmosphere will then send periods of rain, which could be heavy at times, and thunderstorms across the island chain from Wednesday through Saturday.
Flood Watches posted in Hawaii
Forecast rain totals in Hawaii through Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.
(FOX Weather)
Hawaii could receive several inches of rain by the time the Kona Low winds down toward the end of the week, with the highest totals being found on the western islands.
Honolulu, for example, could pick up close to a half-foot of rain during the event.
Flood Watches in effect in Hawaii through Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023.
(FOX Weather)
Hawaii is in desperate need of rain to help alleviate drought conditions. However, so much rain in a short period could lead to flash flooding.
"Confidence has increased that flash flooding may pose a threat to life and property over the western islands of Niihau, Kauai and Oahu, where a Flood Watch is now in effect beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday," the National Weather Service said. "The Flood Watch may need to expand to include Maui County and the Big Island on Wednesday and Thursday."
HOW MOUNTAINS CAN HOG THE RAIN
Why Kona Lows can be so dangerous
"Since the leeward side of the islands don’t get as much rain, they tend to be drier with less vegetation and shallower soil," NOAA says. "These conditions make these areas more vulnerable to floods, along with landslides and mudslides, especially in mountainous areas with steep, sloping inclines. The state’s Big Island has endured some of the worst impacts after experiencing ‘catastrophic flooding’ where two feet of rain fell in some areas and knocked out power throughout the islands."
The Pearl City Road Maintenance Division had to wade chest deep in floodwater to clear storm drains in December 2021.
(Honolulu Mayor/Honolulu DEM / NOAA)
The Kona Low that dropped 2 feet of rain in December 2021 closed highways on Maui and washed cars away. On Oahu, one highway was under waist-deep water, according to the NWS. Tropical-storm-force winds (39-plus mph) blew a shed into planes at the Honolulu Airport, damaging the aircraft. Winds gusted over 100 mph at the summit of Mauna Kea, which created near-blizzard conditions, blowing around the 10 inches of snow that fell.
HOW A TROPICAL PARADISE IS HOME TO THE RAINIEST SPOT IN THE NATION
File: Satellite images show the snow on Mauna Kea on Dec. 7, 2021.
(earthobservatory.nasa.gov / NASA)
"Kona Lows originate from a deep kink in the jet stream (a band of strong winds high in the atmosphere that steer weather systems) that sinks south and pinches off, leaving behind a low-pressure circulation that is cut off from the main core of the jet," NASA says. "These cut-off lows can linger for several days."
A Kona Low dropped a record-setting 49.69 inches of rain in 24 hours over Waipa Gardens on Kauai on April 14-15, 2018.
Silver lining? Ease the drought
Easing the drought is the silver lining to the flood threat for Hawaii. Over 93% of the state is in moderate drought, and 75% is in severe drought, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.
REMOTE HAWAII WILDFIRE COULD LEAD TO NEXT LAHAINA TRAGEDY, EXPERTS WARN
The Hawaii drought monitor.
(FOX Weather)
Officials say drought conditions helped spark the deadly Lahaina firestorm over the summer.
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November 27, 2023 at 10:44PM
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Kona Low has Hawaii on alert for heavy rain, flooding this week - Fox Weather
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