·

Powerful Kona Low continues to drench Hawaii, flash flood watches in force for all islands with rare tornado warning for Niihau

powerful-kona-low-pressure-continues-to-drench-hawaii-flash-flood-watches-in-force-for-all-islands-with-rare-tornado-warning-for-niihau

The National Weather Service (NWS) has placed all islands of Hawaii under flash flood watch on Tuesday, March 17, 2020– and issued a rare tornado warning for Niihau for the first time in 11 years– as a powerful low-pressure system – Kona Low – continues to dump widespread heavy rains across the islands.

The low is forecast to further produce bands of thunderstorms into Wednesday, March 18, with east-southeast winds of about 24 to 27 km/h (15 to 17 mph), and gusts as high as 37 km/h (23 mph). Scattered to isolated showers are also forecast to persist until Monday next week, March 23.

All islands, namely Kahoolawe, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Niihau, Oahu, and the Big Island, could be impacted by flash flooding due to heavy rainfall, with Kuau and Oahu expected to be at the greatest risk.

"A Kona low west of the state will continue to produce bands of heavy rain and thunderstorms across portions of the island chain through tonight, and possibly into Wednesday," said NSW on Tuesday.

"While all islands could experience flooding rainfall, the greatest risk for flooding will be on Kauai and Oahu, where soils are already saturated due to recent heavy rain."

Moreover, inundations also threaten urban and leeward locations, particularly areas on lower elevations, NWS added.

The agency also emphasized that flash floods are life-threatening, with a warning saying, "do not cross fast-flowing water in your vehicle or on foot."

"Monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. If you experience heavy rain or rising water, head to higher ground immediately," NWS further warned.

YouTube video

A rare tornado warning was also issued for the island of Niihau on Tuesday, which may be extended, dropped, or modified as conditions vary.  Local reports warn of flying debris, as well as damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles.

"This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over sparsely populated areas of Niihau in Kauai county," said Khon2 News. This warning has been the first for Hawaii in more than 11 years.

According to NWS's forecast, there will be occasional showers and possibly a thunderstorm on Wednesday. Furthermore, some of the storms could generate heavy downpour.

Breezy winds are expected, with an east-southeast winds 24 to 27 km/h (15 to 17 mph) gusting to 37 km/h (23 mph). New rainfall amounts between 25 to 51 mm (1 to 2 inches) are also likely.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue until Friday, March 20, with up to 70 percent chance of precipitation.

By Saturday, March 21, scattered showers will occur but it will be mostly cloudy. On Monday, March 23, NWS forecast isolated showers; it will also be most likely sunny with a 20 percent chance of rain.

Featured image credit: NOAA/GOES-West, RAMMB/CIRA. Acquired March 17, 2020, at 16:50 UTC.

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

One Comment

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *