Heavy rain, flash flooding and occasional thunderstorms are likely beginning Tuesday and into next weekend with the probability of flooding for Kauai County and Oahu, forecasters report.
A large low pressure system developing northwest of Hawaii over the next couple of days will draw a very moist southern air mass north across the state, according to the National Weather Service.
“This next storm system appears extremely strong for the Hawaii region and dangerous impacts are likely to develop statewide through much of this week,” according to the forecast. “A combination of flooding, strong and gusty southerly winds, thunderstorms possibly severe at times, and Big Island summit level snow and ice will threaten Hawaii from Tuesday into next weekend.”
From Tuesday through Saturday, the total storm rainfall amounts are forecast to range between 4 and 12 inches across Hawaii during this five-day period, while higher amounts are possible driven by slow, but strong thunderstorms or heavy rain bands.
“Stay weather aware the next several days as this system develops and the details of the impacts become more clear,” according to the forecast. “The next couple of days would be a good time to clear storm drains and culverts of debris, or anything else that can block the flow of water.”