Kona Low Returns to Kauai, Triggering Statewide Flood Watch

A second Kona low system reached Kaua'i on March 19, triggering a statewide flood watch and renewing concerns across the Hawaiian Islands less than two weeks after a previous storm system caused widespread flooding and damage beginning March 10.

Derek Wroe, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu, said the storm was tracking west to east and would primarily concentrate over O'ahu and Maui Counties. "Flood risk is relatively low on the Garden Island, but it's not zero as heavy rain in the mountains can produce large amounts of runoff to streams and rivers," Wroe said. Radar placed the system over Kaua'i as of 11:30 a.m. on March 19. Wroe also noted a brief lull in showers was expected Friday before rain redeveloped Saturday.

Kaua'i County crews were placed on standby, with all county roadways remaining open as of the initial report. County officials warned, however, that flood-prone roads and low-lying areas could be closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams. The county advised anyone planning outdoor activity to check conditions first: river and stream crossings, recreational trails, and beach areas can become hazardous quickly, and emergency rescues may not be possible during severe weather. Residents were told not to cross swollen rivers or streams. For ocean conditions, the Ocean Safety Bureau can be reached at 808-241-4984 or through safebeachday.com.

State officials warned of strong south winds with gusts up to 45 mph, particularly across the western half of the state, along with the possibility of severe thunderstorms increasing Thursday night and continuing into the weekend. Ground saturation from the earlier storm heightened flash flood risk even from modest additional rainfall, according to state and county emergency assessments.

As the system progressed, it moved past Kaua'i and O'ahu and continued to impact Maui, Moloka'i, Lāna'i and Hawai'i Island. Flood watch end times evolved across multiple advisories: Kauai Now reported a statewide watch through Sunday afternoon, while a later state update placed the watch for Maui County and Hawai'i Island through Sunday night. Governor Josh Green's subsequent statement indicated the watch for those two counties extended only through that evening.

"The worst of the Kona Low appears to be behind us, but we are not completely in the clear yet," Green said. "Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island are still seeing showers, strong winds and the potential for flooding on already saturated ground. We are now beginning to assess damage across the islands and starting the repair process. Our team is also in communication with the federal government to determine what assistance may be available to support."

On Hawai'i Island, Mayor Kimo Alameda had been bracing for the system's arrival. "We just took a big hit, especially on the south side, the west side, and Kau. The west side, it's so saturated. It's gonna be a concern if this new system takes shape into a larger system," Alameda said. He added that the approaching storm "doesn't look as strong as the previous storm, but who knows?"

The earlier March storm sequence left a significant mark statewide. A storm hit Hawai'i on March 10, impacting Kaua'i first before moving toward the Big Island. March 13 and 14 brought significant rain and wind that caused flooding and damage across the islands, according to the Hawai'i Emergency Management Agency. A previous Kona low knocked out power for more than 100,000 customers statewide.

Residents and businesses on O'ahu, Maui and the Big Island who sustained damage from the earlier storm were encouraged to submit damage reports. The Hawai'i Emergency Management Agency can be reached at (808) 733-4300. Flood watch details and current conditions are subject to change; the National Weather Service Honolulu and Kaua'i County emergency management pages carry the most current advisories.