A powerful Kona storm continued to generate hazardous weather across Hawaii this morning, prompting marine warnings for waters near Kauai and Maui County as well as a statewide flood watch through the weekend, forecasters said.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued special marine warnings early today for waters near Kauai and Maui County, warning that severe thunderstorms moving across coastal waters could produce waterspouts and dangerous winds.
At 7:02 a.m., forecasters said thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts were located along a line from near Hoolehua on Molokai to about 10 nautical miles south of FAD Buoy MC, moving northeast at about 10 knots.
“Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas,” the weather service said in the warning. “Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.”
The warning covers the Alenuihaha Channel, Kaiwi Channel, Maalaea Bay, Maui County leeward waters and the Pailolo Channel and remains in effect until 9 a.m.
Another special marine warning issued at 6:44 a.m. covers the Kauai Channel and nearby leeward and northwest waters through 8:45 a.m. Radar indicated a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts stretching from about eight nautical miles east of Lehua Rock to 44 nautical miles south of FAD Buoy PP, moving northeast at about 15 knots.
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The weather service warned mariners to prepare for “gusty winds, steep and fast-building seas, and blinding downpours,” advising crews to stay low or go below deck and ensure everyone aboard is wearing life jackets.
A flood watch remains in effect across most of the state through Saturday afternoon as the Kona storm continues to funnel tropical moisture toward the islands.
“Considerable flash flooding remains possible as a large and powerful Kona storm northwest of the state draws deep tropical moisture northward across the islands,” weather officials said. “Persistent bands of heavy rain and thunderstorms may produce intense rainfall rates, leading to rapid rises in streams and flooding of roads and low-lying areas.”
The flood watch is currently in effect for Niihau, Kauai, Oahu and Maui County through Saturday afternoon, while Hawaii island will come under a flood watch beginning this evening through Saturday afternoon.
A winter storm watch is also in effect from Thursday evening through Saturday afternoon for Hawaii island summits above 12,000 feet, where up to 8 inches of snow is possible.
A high wind watch also remains in effect for the summits of Haleakala and Hawaii island from Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon, with forecasters warning that southwest winds of 60 to 80 mph and gusts over 100 mph could develop by Saturday.
Gov. Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation ahead of the storm to allow state agencies to coordinate resources and respond quickly to impacts from flooding and severe weather.
On Maui, Mayor Richard Bissen signed a county emergency proclamation, saying officials were preparing for “heavy rain, severe flooding and damaging wind.”
Meanwhile, the City and County of Honolulu announced several closures starting today as the storm approaches Oahu.
The Honolulu Zoo is closed today, while city park facilities shut down, permitted activities and classes were canceled and overnight camping was suspended.
The city also closed its six municipal golf courses — Ala Wai, Ewa Villages, Kahuku, Pali, Ted Makalena and West Loch — until further notice, and canceled several Royal Hawaiian Band performances scheduled through Saturday because of the expected severe weather.
State officials also closed some recreation areas ahead of the storm. The Department of Land and Natural Resources closed Polihale State Park and the Kalalau Trail on Kauai, while camping permits for state parks statewide were suspended and hikers and campers were being notified to leave vulnerable areas.
Marine conditions are expected to remain dangerous as the storm intensifies.
A small craft advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. today for waters around Kauai and portions of Hawaii island, where forecasters expect southerly winds up to about 25 knots.
“Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions,” the weather service said.
Forecasters say winds could strengthen further later this week as the pressure gradient tightens around the Kona storm.
The storm is expected to intensify through the end of the week, bringing the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms, damaging winds and winter weather at the highest elevations.
“A powerful and slow-moving Kona low northwest of the islands will bring a prolonged period of hazardous weather to the state through the upcoming weekend,” the weather service said.
Environmental conditions could become favorable for severe storms later in the week.
“Instability combined with strong deep-layer wind shear … will support thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and possibly a tornado,” the weather service said.
Meteorologists say the combination of heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and dangerous marine conditions means the storm could bring widespread impacts statewide through the weekend.