Heavy rains pummeled the island of Oahu, Hawaii on Sunday, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a flood advisory as drivers are warned of flooded roads.
Why It Matters
The advisory impacted several neighborhoods, including Hauula, Punaluu, Kahuku, and Waikane, and extended to key recreational areas such as Kahana Valley State Park and Sunset Beach. The heavy rainfall, measured at rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour in some areas, created hazardous driving conditions.
Flooding can be a hazard to people driving in affected areas, with the NWS warning that most flood-related deaths happen in vehicles.
What To Know
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flood Advisory on Sunday warning of minor flooding on roads, in streams, and in poorly drained areas. While the flood warning for Oahu has expired, most Hawaiian islands remain under a flood watch as residents are bracing for potential future downpours as storms remain a threat this week.
Sunday's advisory followed weeks of weather instability across the Hawaiian Islands. According to the NWS, much of Oahu remained at risk for additional flash flooding overnight, with conditions expected to ease by Monday morning.
In Honolulu, areas like Kaaawa and Pearl City experienced temporary power outages due to lightning strikes. The advisory was part of a broader flood watch affecting multiple islands, including Maui, Kauai, and Molokai.
What Is A Flood Warning?
The NWS issues a flood warning when flooding is imminent or occurring.
"River flooding can be caused by heavy rainfall, dam failures, rapid snowmelt and ice jams," the NWS said on its website.
The weather service explained on its website that minor river flooding "means that low-lying areas adjacent to the stream or river, mainly rural areas and farmland and secondary roadways near the river flood."
What People Are Saying
Oahu Emergency Management wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday: "Flood Warning for Oahu until 10 p.m. tonight. Flooding imminent/occurring."
National Weather Service forecasters said: "A trough developing near Oahu will merge with a front overnight and move slowly eastward. An upper level trough will trigger heavy showers and thunderstorms along the trough, bringing the threat for flash flooding, especially over windward areas. The flood threat will decrease during the day on Monday."
What Happens Next
Oahu residents are urged to monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency agencies as the week progresses. Forecasts predict a new storm system could strike Wednesday night, posing further risks of flooding and wind damage.
As conditions evolve, officials continue to stress the importance of preparedness, reminding residents to avoid low-lying areas and to keep emergency kits on hand.
English (US) ·