Hawaii is once again in the grip of flash floods and thunderstorms as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued several warnings for the islands of Oahu and Kauai. The authorities have advised residents and visitors to stay away from streams, drainage ditches, and low-lying areas prone to flooding.
Flash Flood Warning in Oahu Due to Thundershowers
The NWS issued a flash flood warning for Oahu due to strong thundershowers moving over the island. Radar showed rain rates up to 3 inches an hour were falling in some areas including Central and Windward Oahu and the North Shore. Pockets of heavier rainfall and isolated thunderstorms are expected to continue into early Monday morning.
Flood advisories were also posted for Oahu until 11:30 p.m., with several locations including Honolulu, Mililani, Pearl City, and Waipahu experiencing flash flooding. Drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and low-lying areas are under the threat of flooding, and landslides can occur in steep terrain. Breezy trades will focus showers over windward and mauka areas through midweek with periodic showers over leeward areas.
The heavy thundershowers on Oahu triggered flooding on the H1 Freeway, causing traffic congestion. Crews were dispatched to clear drains at the Punahou and Vineyard offramps. Forecasters warned of thunderstorms moving over Oahu at about 10 mph which could produce straight line winds of 30 knots or more. Strong thunderstorms and wind gusts up to 45 mph can knock down tree limbs and unsecured objects.
Flash Flood Warning and Multiple Rescues in Lawa‘i, Kaua‘i
Meanwhile, a powerful spring storm led to a flash flood warning in Lawa‘i, Kaua‘i. First responders rescued two females stuck in a vehicle on a flooded portion of Lawa‘i Road. The Kaua‘i Fire Department personnel escorted them to higher ground, and the road was later closed due to the high water level.
In another incident, a man and a dog were swept into the Lawa‘i Stream. A good Samaritan rescued the man from the vehicle and brought him safely to the stream bank. No injuries were reported in both incidents.
Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson thanked first responders and advised people to heed all warnings during extreme weather events. The flash flood warning was in effect from 11:37 a.m. to 4:24 p.m. on Wednesday.
Flood Advisories for Oahu, Big Island, and Maui County
The NWS has issued flood advisories for Oahu and the Big Island, which includes several locations that can experience flooding. Maui County is also under a flood advisory due to heavy rainfall estimated at a rate of up to 2 inches per hour.
The authorities have advised people to stay tuned to local news outlets for weather updates and alerts. People living in flood-prone areas should be prepared for flooding by creating an emergency kit with essential items such as water, food, medications, flashlights, and batteries.
In conclusion, as Hawaii continues to experience severe weather conditions, it is important that everyone takes necessary precautions and stays safe during these times.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
