Kona Low Storm Triggers Statewide Power Outages, Flash Flood Warnings Across Hawaii

A powerful Kona low storm system has pummeled the Hawaiian islands, causing widespread disruption through dangerous thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and extensive power outages.

“Flood advisory posted for Oahu; Maui, Hawaii island under flash flood warning UPDATE: Noon Heavy rain spreading across the state has prompted a new flood advisory for Oahu as bands of showers associated with the Kona-low storm continue moving through the islands”

Honolulu Star-Advertiser

The rare weather event dragged tropical moisture across the state, creating life-threatening conditions that prompted emergency officials to issue multiple flash flood warnings.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser

With rainfall rates reaching up to 1-2 inches per hour in some areas, the storm has triggered significant flooding, road closures, and hazardous conditions across multiple islands.

Governor Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation as the Kona low system continued to move through the state, bringing prolonged heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding statewide according to officials.

The storm has caused catastrophic power outages affecting over 130,000 customers across Hawaii, with Honolulu being the hardest hit area.

According to power outage reports, as many as 121,020 customers statewide were without electricity by 4:00 PM Friday, with approximately 113,800 customers affected on O'ahu alone.

KHON2

The East Honolulu area has been particularly devastated, as two of the three transmission lines supplying electricity from Windward Oahu were damaged during the storm.

Hawaiian Electric officials warned that some residents could face extended outages, and while crews have restored power to 29,000 customers in parts of Waikiki and East Honolulu, many customers remain without electricity overnight as crews cannot make repairs in dangerous weather conditions.

Emergency officials across Hawaii have issued multiple flash flood warnings and urged residents to take immediate precautions as dangerous conditions persist.

“HONOLULU (KHON2) — Residents on parts of Hawaii Island and Maui County are being asked to conserve water during ongoing severe weather”

KHON2

The National Weather Service has extended flash flood warnings for Hawaii island and Maui until 2 p.m., while maintaining flood watches through Sunday night for Maui County and Hawaii island.

Emergency management agencies are warning that life-threatening flooding is possible in the Kau and Puna districts, with Highway 11 in Kau already closed between mile markers 56 and 62 due to floodwaters.

Officials are advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from streams and drainage channels, and treat intersections with dark traffic lights as four-way stops.

The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management emphasized that shelters remain open for affected residents and visitors while several city services remain suspended.

Different islands across Hawaii have experienced varying levels of impact from the Kona low storm, with each region facing unique challenges.

On Hawaii island, the situation remains particularly dire with flash flood warnings covering Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Wood Valley, Pahala, Volcano, Glenwood, Punaluu Beach, and numerous other communities.

Newsweek

Maui continues to face significant flash flooding, with the heaviest rainfall focused along the south-facing slopes of Haleakala between Makena and Hamoa, while Molokai saw its flash flood warning canceled as conditions began to improve.

Oahu has been affected by both power outages and strong winds, with Southwesterly winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph remaining a concern, particularly in areas north and east of steep mountains.

The entire state remains under various flood watches as heavy rain bands associated with the Kona-low system continue to move through.

The Kona low storm has created an ongoing crisis that residents are being urged to prepare for as conditions may continue to deteriorate.

“Over 100,000 people are without power in Hawaii as a rare storm pummels the entire state with dangerous thunderstorms, high elevation snow, and several inches of rain”

Newsweek

Hawaiian Electric officials are warning customers to prepare for extended power outages, noting that damage to the electrical infrastructure could be extensive and may require rebuilding parts of the system.

Stars and Stripes

The company emphasized that restoration efforts will be delayed as crews cannot safely make repairs in dangerous weather conditions, and urged customers to complete final preparations and make safety their highest priority.

Meanwhile, forecasters continue to monitor heavy rain bands moving through the state, with additional alerts likely to be issued if flooding worsens or winds strengthen.

Residents are being reminded not to drive or walk through flooded roadways and to move to higher ground if flooding threatens their area as the storm continues its path across the Hawaiian islands.