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Expect strong winds, heavy rain for Oahu’s morning commute

COURTESY NOAA
                                A satellite image of the severe weather over the Hawaiian Islands.
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COURTESY NOAA

A satellite image of the severe weather over the Hawaiian Islands.

JAMM AQUINO / DEC. 16
                                A man watches high surf pound the shore at Shark’s Cove on Oahu’s North Shore.
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Swipe or click to see more

JAMM AQUINO / DEC. 16

A man watches high surf pound the shore at Shark’s Cove on Oahu’s North Shore.

COURTESY NOAA
                                A satellite image of the severe weather over the Hawaiian Islands.
JAMM AQUINO / DEC. 16
                                A man watches high surf pound the shore at Shark’s Cove on Oahu’s North Shore.

UPDATE: 7:42 a.m.

The National Weather Service said a strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Oahu through 8 a.m.

“At 7:30 a.m., doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Waianae, or 26 miles west of Honolulu, moving east at 55 mph,” forecasters said.

Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea-size hail were possible, they said.

“Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible,” according to a NWS special weather statement.

Locations affected include Hauula, Mililani, Wahiawa, Schofield Barracks, Kaneohe Marine Base,

Kahaluu, Ahuimanu, Punaluu, Kailua, Kaneohe, Waianae, Kunia, Wheeler Field, Waikele, Waikane, Waiahole, Aiea, Nanakuli, Pearl City and Waipahu.

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building, officials said.

On the other side of Oahu, Kalanianaole Highway nears Bellows Air Force Station was closed this morning due to downed power lines.

6:15 a.m.

The severe thunderstorm watch for Oahu and Kauai remains in effect through 8 a.m. today and the high wind warning for all islands is set to expire at 6 p.m.

The statewide flood watch remains in effect through late tonight but is now joined by a flood advisory for Hawaii island through 8 a.m. today.

Radar at 4:52 a.m. showed heavy showers and storms moving ashore from Kailua-Kona to Honaunau, with additional heavy showers approaching, the NWS said. Peak rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour can be expected, weather officials said.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Kailua-Kona, Captain Cook, Kainaliu, Kealakekua, Honalo, Kahaluu-Keauhou, Holualoa, Honaunau, Kalaoa and Kona International Airport.

MONDAY 12:14 a.m

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Kauai and Oahu until 8 a.m. Monday, with damaging winds approaching 60 mph and hail possible.

“Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings,” forecasters said. “Severe thunderstorms produce damaging winds of 58 mph or higher, or destructive hail the size of quarters or larger.”

The weather service also issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Kauai until 1 a.m.

At midnight, “severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 14 miles northwest of Na Pali State Park to 13 miles west of Barking Sands, moving east at 45 mph,” NWS said.

Officials said these severe thunderstorms will remain over sparsely populated areas of Kauai but could damage roofs and siding.

SUNDAY 11:20 p.m

Honolulu officials say they have partially activated the city’s Emergency Operations Center in anticipation of damaging winds overnight and strong showers and thunderstorms during Monday morning’s commute.

“We are closely tracking the storm and coordinating with the various city, state, and federal officials to help keep the public safe,” Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a news release late Sunday night. “Because this storm has the potential to disrupt the morning commute, we urge residents to drive with caution. Stay informed of current conditions and download the HNL Info app on their phone to receive important information and alerts.”

City officials said that the National Weather Service informed the Department of Emergency Management that “strong damaging winds are expected overnight and the heaviest showers and thunderstorms will arrive in time for the Oahu morning commute.”

The city’s Emergency Operations Center is monitoring the severe weather event and is preparing to respond to support emergency and safety operations on Oahu if needed, officials said.

The entire state is under a flood watch and high wind warning until Monday evening.

9:32 p.m.

Volunteers with the American Red Cross are staffing two shelters in partnership with the Maui Emergency Management Agency in response to high winds. The shelters are now open and are located at Kamalii Elementary School, 180 Alanui Kealii Drive, in Kihei; and War Memorial Stadium Complex, 700 Halia Nakoa St., in Wailuku.

5:03 p.m.

A flood advisory is in effect for Hawaii island until 7:45 p.m. today as a result of excessive rainfall.

At 4:46 p.m., the radar indicated heavy rain falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour over portions of north and south Kona, north and south Kohala and Hamakua districts.

Some affected locations that will experience flooding include Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa Village, Kapaau, Honokaa, Puuanahulu, Puako, Kamuela, Kawaihae, Kohala Ranch, Pohakuloa Training Area, Waipio Valley, Waimanu Valley, Kukuihaele, Pololu Valley, Kalaoa, Holualoa, Halaula, Honalo, Hawi and Kahaluu-Keauhou.

Meanwhile, a flood watch is still in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday for the state.

4:23 p.m.

According to a news release, the summit of Haleakala National Park and the Pipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu District has been temporarily closed due to severe weather beginning 4 p.m. today. All sunrise reservations on Dec. 19 have been canceled.

3:52 p.m.

Waipio Valley Access Road has been closed as of 3 p.m. today until further notice, according to Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth’s office. Residents who need to access the roadway to carry out official business may do so as necessary, according to a statement.

A representative from the Hawaii Police Department, Department of Public Works, Department of Parks and Recreation, and/or a private security guard will be onsite at any given time to enforce the closure, the statement said. Signs and roadway materials will be posted.

“Residents along Western and Northern coastlines are encouraged to prepare for sustained winds of 20-40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are anticipated for the whole island. The Flash Flood and High Wind Warning issued by the National Weather Service is in effect through Monday evening,” the mayor’s office said.

On Kauai, Ocean Bureau Safety personnel temporarily shut down the lifeguard towers at Poipu Beach Park, Salt Pond Beach Park and Kekaha Beach Park due to the inclement weather. Officials urged the public to avoid the area.

3:15 p.m.

A flash flood warning is in effect until 4:30 p.m. today for Maui.

At 2:32 p.m., the radar showed heavy showers falling at a rate of 1.5 to 2.5 inches per hour across several areas of the island. The heaviest rain is slowly trending eastward and centered mostly around Kula and east to Hana and Hamoa. Additional heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon to move across the county.

Some affected locations that will experience flash flooding include Kahului, Kihei, Lahaina, Kula, Pukalani, Makawao, Keokea, Haliimaile, Paia, Puunene, Haiku-Pauwela, Wailea, Pauwela, Maalaea, Ulupalakua, Huelo, Makena, Waikapu, Wailuku and Waiehu.

“Flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas. Public road closures possible in some areas. Landslides are possible in steep terrain,” the advisory said.

Meanwhile, a flood advisory is in effect until 4 p.m. for Lanai and until 4:15 p.m. for Molokai due to excessive rainfall.

On Lanai at 2:19 p.m., the radar indicated heavy rain over the island falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. “The rain bands are beginning to move eastward, with the heaviest rainfall expected around Lanai City and eastward. Rainfall rates will be higher in thunderstorms,” the advisory said.

Some affected locations include Lanai City, Manele and Lanai Airport.

On Molokai at 2:33 p.m., the radar showed locally heavy rain over the island falling at a rate of 1 to inches per hour. “The heaviest rainfall has slowly moved eastward and has become centered across locations east of Molokai Airport. Additional bands of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms will continue this afternoon,” the advisory said.

Some affected locations include Kualapuu, Kaunakakai, Hoolehua, Kalaupapa National Park, Kawela, Kamalo, Maunaloa, Ualapue, Pukoo, Kepuhi, Halawa Valley and Molokai Airport.

1:30 p.m.

A flood advisory is now in effect until 2:45 p.m. today for the island of Molokai and until 3 p.m. for both Lanai and Maui due to excessive rainfall.

At 11:57 a.m., the radar showed heavy rain falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour for Maui. Forecasters said heavy rainfall, with thunderstorms, is expected to resume early this afternoon.

Some affected locations include Kahului, Kihei, Lahaina, Kula, Pukalani, Makawao, Keokea, Haliimaile, Paia, Puunene, Haiku-Pauwela, Wailea, Pauwela, Maalaea, Ulupalakua, Huelo, Makena, Waikapu, Wailuku and Waiehu.

On Lanai at 12:14 p.m., the radar captured heavy rain showers falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

Some affected locations include Lanai City, Manele and Lanai Airport.

On Molokai at 12:22 p.m., the radar indicated heavy rain pouring over the island at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Forecasters said additional bands of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms will move this afternoon into the region from the southwest side.

Some affected locations include Kualapuu, Kaunakakai, Hoolehua, Kalaupapa National Park, Kawela, Kamalo, Maunaloa, Ualapue, Pukoo, Kepuhi, Halawa Valley and Molokai Airport.

A flood watch remains in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday for the state.

11:32 a.m.

A number of storm-related closures have been announced today.

The Honolulu Zoo will be closed today due to impacts from the severe weather storm impacting Oahu, according to the Department of Enterprise Services (DES).

DES said storm impacts are forecasted to continue through Monday which may require continued closure of the facility. Additional announcements will be made as operating hours are determined.

The city also is closing its lights displays inside Honolulu Hale and Kapolei Hale today at 4 p.m. in anticipation of severe weather including a high-wind advisory, the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) and Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) said.

The East-West Center has announced that today’s planned script reading of “Tamoree” written by Kaonohiokalaealohilohinei “Kala” Muller is canceled. The center said it hopes to reschedule the event at a later date.

 


PREVIOUS COVERAGE

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued multiple advisories today including a high surf warning for portions of Hawaii, and a high wind warning and a flood watch for all the Hawaiian Islands.

FLOOD WATCH

A flood watch is in effect this morning through late Monday night with possible flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall for all the main Hawaiian Islands.

Forecasters said a strong front is moving rapidly toward the islands with periods of heavy showers and thunderstorms expected through late Monday night.

“Although individual showers will tend to move quickly, intense rain rates and the potential for training cells will lead to increased potential for flash flooding,” the advisory said.

Low-lying areas and roads prone to flood may be closed off, while urban areas could receive significant flood and property damage as a result of rapid runoff from overflowing streams, forecasters said.

“You should monitor later forecasts, and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued,” according to the advisory.

HIGH SURF WARNING

A high surf warning is in effect for the north- and west-facing shores of Oahu, Kauai, Molokai and Niihau along with the north-facing shores of Maui from 6 p.m. today through 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Forecasters report that the surf will gradually diminish during the day today, but the surf will rise rapidly tonight and Monday, remaining “extra large” through Tuesday.

Expect “dangerously large” breaking waves of 25 to 40 feet with ocean water surging and sweeping across beaches, potentially impacting infrastructure and roadways.

“Stay away from the shoreline along the affected coasts,” the advisory said. “Be prepared for road closures. Large breaking surf, significant shorebreak, and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous. Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death.”

HIGH WIND WARNING

A high wind warning is in effect for all Hawaiian Islands from this evening through Monday afternoon. In addition, a high wind warning for the Big Island summits is in effect through 6 a.m. Wednesday, while a high wind warning is in effect for the Haleakala summit through 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Southwest winds are at 35 to 50 mph today with winds expected to increase to 70 to 80 mph with higher gusts by Monday morning and then gradually weaken on Monday night, forecasters said.

For the Haleakala summit, the warning is in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday.

“Winds this strong can make driving and walking difficult,” according to the advisory. “The winds can forcefully open doors and damage hinges or slam doors shut, possibly causing injuries.”

Forecasters recommend being prepared for possible road closures and postponing travel to the summits until conditions improve.

WINTER STORM WARNING

A winter storm warning is in effect from 6 p.m. today through 6 a.m. Tuesday for the Big Island summits.

The warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice are expected or occurring with the possibility for strong winds that make travel very hazardous or impossible, officials said. “Any travel plans to the summit should be postponed until the threat diminishes,” officials said.

Light snow will dust the Big Island summits tonight followed by periods of heavy snow developing Monday. Total snow accumulation is expected of up to 14 inches with wind gusts as high as 135 mph, forecasters said.

“Travel will quickly become impossible. Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. Periods of zero visibility expected,” the advisory said.

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY AND GALE WARNING

Finally, a small craft advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. today, while a gale warning is in effect from 6 p.m. today through 6 p.m. Monday.

Forecasters said “southwest winds will steadily increase today and tonight, reaching 30 to 35 knots with gusts up to 50 knots. Seas building to 15 to 20 feet tonight, potentially higher on Monday.”

The areas affected include:

>> Waters of northwest, windward and leeward Kauai

>> Kauai Channel

>> Waters of windward and leeward Oahu

>> Kaiwi Channel

>> Waters of windward and leeward Maui County

>> Waters of windward, leeward and southeast Big Island

Officials said the gale warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots are imminent or occurring.

“Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels,” according to the advisory. “Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires experience and properly equipped vessels. It is highly recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions.”

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