Hawaii slammed by storm, heavy rains and flooding

"This is one of the slower moving storms that we have had in a long time. It is pretty bad compared to recent events that we've had. Kona Lows are typically slow-moving systems that drive tropical moisture up from the south of Hawaii. Because the Kona Low system moves slowly, it can produce prolonged rainfall and significant flooding."

"On Friday, flooding concerns intensified on Oahu when the city Department of Emergency Management warned that a dam could fail, potentially resulting in catastrophic flooding. The dam was nearing 83 feet, while the maximum level before failure is 90 feet. Officials issued an evacuation warning for the North Shore towns of Waialua and Haleiwa, which was lifted Saturday morning after water levels had stabilized."

"According to the National Weather Service, the eastern half of the state is currently seeing the heaviest rainfall at roughly 1 to 2 inches per hour. For the eastern half of the state, which is Molokai to the Big Island, it could still see impacts through Sunday, and the Big Island might still see impacts through Monday."

A slow-moving storm system called a Kona Low is bringing severe weather to Hawaii, including heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and damaging winds. Over 100,000 Hawaiian Electric customers lost power, with impacts reaching Waikiki and other areas. On Oahu, a dam approached critical levels, prompting evacuation warnings for North Shore towns before water levels stabilized. Schools, state offices, and businesses closed statewide. The eastern half of Hawaii experiences the heaviest rainfall at 1-2 inches per hour. Conditions are expected to improve Sunday or Monday for Kauai and Oahu, while the Big Island may experience impacts through Monday. Full improvement across the state may not occur until mid-week.

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