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Hawaii is facing renewed flash flooding threats as another Kona Low develops, bringing heavy rainfall to islands already saturated from recent storms. This follows back-to-back Kona Lows last month that caused dangerous flooding on Maui and Oahu.
Several inches of rain have already fallen on Maui and the Big Island, with Pāhoa Beacon recording 11.4 inches since Tuesday. Flash flood alerts are in effect across all Hawaiian islands through Friday, and a Flash Flood Warning covers the southeastern tip of Maui. Through Sunday, more than a foot of rain is expected in parts of the Big Island, with widespread 5–8 inches across other areas. These conditions could lead to overflowing streams, damaged drainage systems, road closures, property damage in urban and low-lying areas, and landslides in steep terrain.
The heavy rain that came after March marked the wettest month on record for several locations in Hawaii. Kahului on Maui saw 21.11 inches of rain, its wettest month in over 110 years, while Honolulu recorded 13.61 inches, its fourth-wettest March on record. Already-saturated ground increases the risk of flash flooding.
Earlier Kona Lows in March caused homes and buildings to collapse and be swept away. Communities, including Waialua and Haleiwa on Oahu’s northern shore, were evacuated during Flash Flood Emergencies. Roads and bridges were damaged, and residents had to seek shelter on rooftops. Hawaii Governor Josh Green described the flooding as the worst in two decades and estimated the storms could cause up to $1 billion in damage.
In addition to heavy rainfall, strong thunderstorms and winds are possible as the Kona Low moves onshore, with gusts of 40–50 mph forecast, raising further risks to safety and infrastructure.
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