UPDATE: 11:45 a.m.
The flood advisory for Oahu has expired but the North Shore, Mililani, and Wahiawa remain under a flash flood warning until 2 p.m.
11:15 p.m.
A flash flood warning for Oahu’s North Shore, Mililani, and Wahiawa areas has been issued until 2 p.m.
“At 11:04 a.m., emergency management reported heavy rain and flooding over the North Shore of Oahu, particularly near Waialua,” the National Weather Service warning says. “Radar indicated rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour within some of the heavier showers. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.”
Locations that will experience flash flooding include Waialua, Haleiwa, Schofield Barracks, Wahiawa, Wheeler Field, Mililani, Waianae, Hauula, Laie, Nanakuli, Kahuku, Punaluu, Helemano Housing, Whitmore Village, Mokuleia, Waimea Valley, Waimea Bay, Pupukea, Sunset Beach and Dillingham Field, forecasters said.
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“Flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas. Public road closures possible in some areas. Landslides are possible in steep terrain,” the warning says.
City & County of Honolulu officials warn that the severe weather is expected to occur for the next few hours.
City crews are responding to reports of ponding and flooding on roadways and in streams and outlets, they said, with most reports concentrated on the North Shore.
“There are numerous road closures in the area. Avoid non-essential travel, especially in areas that are likely to experience flooding,” officials said in a news release. “Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through flowing or rising water. Floodwaters can rise rapidly. Just 1 foot of moving water can sweep away a vehicle. If your vehicle is caught in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If water begins to rise inside the vehicle, get on the roof.”
Just before 11 a.m., they said no evacuations have been ordered so far. But, they urge those who live in an area that has flooded previously to be prepared to leave if conditions worsen. “Leave if you feel unsafe, do not wait for official instructions.”
Shelters are open across Oahu for those needing a safe place to go. Go to p.veoci.com/hnlshelter for locations and more information.
City officials also urge the public to call 911 only for life-threatening emergencies. “Do not call 911 for general information or updates,” they said.
The Honolulu Department of Environmental Service closed the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill today due to the weather. Regular curbside refuse collection will continue as scheduled, DES officials said.
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10:45 a.m.
The flood advisory for Kauai has expired, but Oahu remains under both flood and wind advisories.
The Oahu flood advisory is in effect until 11:30 a.m., while the wind advisory, which calls for south winds of 20 to 35 mph and gusts up to 55 mph in in effect until 6 p.m.
The wind advisory covers Central Oahu, Koolau Leeward, Koolau Windward, Oahu’s North Shore, Olomana and the Waianae mountains.
The entire state is under a flood watch through this afternoon as the low pressure system moving east over Maui County and the Big Island.
9 a.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for Oahu until 11:30 a.m. as heavy showers move over the island.
”At 8:30 a.m., radar indicated heavy rain moving into Oahu’s North Shore and leeward side from the west. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour within the heavier showers,” the advisory says. “Moderate to heavy rain is expected to spread across the remaining portions of the island in the next few hours as the band of heavy showers moves eastward.”
Forecasters advise the public to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding.
Kauai remains under a flood advisory until 9:45 a.m., and the entire state is under a flood watch through this afternoon.
The state Department of Health this morning issued a brown water advisory for Oahu, urging the public to stay out of waters that appear brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain. Health officials recommend staying of these affected waters for 48 to 72 hours after the rain has stopped and after the beach has received full sunshine. The department also advises the public to avoid swimming, wading in, or drinking water from any freshwater streams or pond to prevent leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
Hawaii’s third major rain storm in less than a month is drenching the state, with Oahu and Molokai expected to be the next islands to feel the brunt of the low-pressure system.
Kauai, which was under a flash flood warning for much of Thursday, is seeing the rains ease but is still under a flood advisory until 9:45 a.m. today. Rainfall amounts on the Garden Isle varied greatly, with Lihue getting 2.5 inches and Mount Waialeale getting nearly 16 inches in the 24-hour period ending at 4 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.
The storm is expected to move east today and the entire state is under a flood watch through this afternoon. The threat of heavy rain and flooding has led the state and City & County of Honolulu to close most government offices on Oahu, as well as all public schools and University of Hawaii campuses on the island.
Thursday’s high wind warning has been downgraded to a wind advisory until 6 p.m. for Oahu, with NWS forecasting south winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph for Central Oahu, Koolau Leeward, Koolau Windward, Oahu North Shore, Olomana and the Waianae mountains.
“Winds this strong can tear off shingles, knock down tree branches, blow away tents and awnings and make it difficult to steer, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles,” forecasters said.
Ahead of the storm, city officials opened six emergency shelters on Oahu on Wednesday and Thursday. They said, as of this morning, at least 66 people have sought refuge at the shelters between Thursday and today.
The opened, pet-friendly shelters are at:
>> Wahiawa District Park
>> Manoa Valley District Park
>> Waianae District Park
>> Kaneohe District Park
>> Nanakuli High & Intermediate
>> Kahuku Elementary
City officials stressed that there are currently no evacuation orders in place for any Oahu communities, but residents are strongly encouraged to monitor conditions closely and seek shelter early if they feel unsafe. Those who use the shelters should bring essential items, including food, water, medications and pet supplies.
The current storm comes on the heels of two Kona-low systems in March that caused an estimated over $1 billion in damage to the state. The Trump administration on Wednesday said they would issue a federal disaster declaration for the state, which will help provide resources and funding for recovery efforts.
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