{"id":526534,"date":"2026-03-16T08:37:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T08:37:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/526534\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T08:37:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T08:37:21","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-about-the-kona-low-sunday-on-big-island-county-of-hawai%ca%bbi-facilities-to-reopen-tomorrow-14500-are-without-power-big-island-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/526534\/","title":{"rendered":"What you need to know about the kona low Sunday on Big Island: County of Hawai\u02bbi facilities to reopen tomorrow, 14,500 are without power : Big Island Now"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\n\"\"<\/a>Highway 11 pictured Saturday afternoon, March 14, 2026 at the 50-mile marker north of Kea\u012bwa. (Photo Shared: Hawai\u02bbi Department of Transportation on Facebook)<\/p>\n

Editor\u2019s note: This page will be continuously updated throughout the day.<\/p>\n

The County of Hawai\u02bbi will return to normal operations on Monday, but the public should continue to exercise caution due to ongoing hazards from the Kona low storm.<\/p>\n

The National Weather Service issued an islandwide flood watch that remains in effect into Monday. Soils remain saturated from heavy rains, and there continues to be a flash flood risk for Ka\u02bb\u016b, Kona and Kohala. Scattered showers and locally heavy rainfall are forecast for Monday as the storm dissipates.<\/p>\n

The wind advisory for the island has been canceled and the high surf advisory for west-facing shores has been extended until 6 a.m. Monday, March 16. All arterial roadways (high capacity roads) are open to the public. <\/p>\n

\u201cWhile peak storm impacts have passed, we are not out of the woods yet, so please continue to exercise caution,\u201d said Mayor Kimo Alameda. \u201cI want to give a special mahalo to our first responders and road crews who are working hard to keep our residents safe. Throughout this storm, our community has stepped up in a big way, and the support from our State, National Guard, and nonprofit partners has been critical to protecting life and property.\u201d<\/p>\n

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ADARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD<\/p>\n

Mayor Alameda added, \u201cAs we move toward the cleanup and recovery phase, be aware of hazards that may still be present, including downed power lines.\u201d<\/p>\n

Today, Hawaiian Electric crews completed repairs to two transmission lines and expect to complete repairs to a third line by tomorrow. Damage assessments and repairs are being done in the lower Puna and South Point areas.<\/p>\n

As of 5 p.m., about 14,500 Hawaiian Electric customers on the Big Island are still without power, mostly in Puna, North and South Kona and South Point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a> National Weather Service radar loop from about an hour and 20 minutes ending at about 12:30 a.m. Sunday, March 15, 2026.<\/p>\n

Residents looking to dispose of green waste created by the storm may use the East Hawai\u02bbi Organics Facility in Hilo, West Hawai\u02bbi Organics Facility at Pu\u02bbuanahulu or the following County transfer stations: Kea\u02bbau, Wai\u02bb\u014dhinu, Ke\u02bbei, Kealakehe, Waimea, Volcano and P\u0101hoa. All solid waste facilities return to normal operations on Monday.<\/p>\n

Bus services also will return to normal operations on Monday. Park facilities will reopen following the completion of damage assessments.<\/p>\n

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD<\/p>\n

As the Kona low storm moves away from Hawai\u2018i, residents may be eager to start clean-up. Use caution to protect against continuing hazards and document the damage. Residents should contact their insurance agent and document damaged property with photos before beginning cleanup.<\/p>\n

The reports will be used to assess impacts, prioritize response efforts and access recovery resources. If you are unable to fill out forms online, call Civil Defense at (808) 935-0031. Residents and businesses impacted by the storm may submit damage reports to Civil Defense at the following links:<\/p>\n

To report agricultural damage, please contact the USDA Farm Service Agency at (808) 933-8381 Ext. 2.<\/p>\n

The Hawai\u02bbi National Guard will continue to work with the counties and the Hawai\u02bbi Emergency Management Agency for any future requests for assistance.<\/p>\n

On Saturday, the Hawai\u02bbi Fire Department personnel rescued 18 residents from flooded homes and stranded vehicles. <\/p>\n

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD<\/p>\n

Late Saturday evening, the shelter at N\u0101\u02bb\u0101lehu Community Center was relocated to N\u0101\u02bb\u0101lehu Elementary School due to a flood channel overflowing. The Hawai\u02bbi Fire Department and Hawai\u02bbi Police Department personnel conducted voluntary evacuations of nearby residents.<\/p>\n

Twenty-four civilians, including the six shelter occupants, were assisted by Hawai\u02bbi National Guard\u2019s high-water vehicles. <\/p>\n

As of 3 p.m. today, the Hawai\u2018i National Guard has as activated about 90 soldiers and airman to support all counties during the recent kona low storm.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The scene outside Volcano Art Center on Saturday, March 14, 2026, as a powerful kona low walloped Puna and Ka\u2019u with excessive rainfall and flash flooding, which was still ongoing by 8:30 p.m. Saturday. (Photo Courtesy: Volcano Art Center Facebook page)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A tree felled in Kona during severe weather Saturday, March 14, 2026, because of a powerful kona low moving through the islands. (Photo Courtesy: U.S. National Weather Service Honolulu & Central Pacific Hurricane Center Facebook post\/Shared by Julie Leydelmeyer)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Screenshot from Saturday, March 14, 2026, captured from a Kailua-Kona webcam. (Image Shared: Hawai\u02bbi Pacific Parks Association on Facebook)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Felled tree across Highway 190 near the 31-mile marker at 4:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14, on the Big Island. (Photo Shared: Hawai\u02bbi Department of Transportation on Facebook)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Whenever it storms like it did Saturday, March 14, because of a powerful kona low moving through the state, \u201cLake K\u012blauea\u201d makes an appearance in Volcano Village. (Photo Courtesy: Volcano Hideaways on Facebook)<\/p>\n

Power outages<\/a><\/p>\n

About 14,500 Hawaiian Electric customers on the Big Island were still without power as of 5 p.m. Sunday, mostly in Puna, North and South Kona and South Point. <\/p>\n

Widespread damage caused by the kona low event is hampering response efforts by Hawaiian Electric across its services areas, and customers who are currently without electricity should plan for prolonged outages into the overnight hours, and possibly days. <\/p>\n

Although crews may not be able to perform some work at night due to weather conditions or safety concerns, other planning, assessment and operations activities will continue around the clock. Outage numbers remain fluid as power may be restored to some customers and another area may experience an outage.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe safety of the public and our crews is our top priority,\u201d said Marc Asano, Hawaiian Electric incident commander. \u201cRestoration is expected to be a long and complex process, and we ask for the patience, understanding, and cooperation of all customers.\u201d<\/p>\n

All customers are urged to stay prepared for potential extended outages through the remainder of today into early next week as the storm continues to make its way across the state. To view current outages and report outages, visit\u00a0hawaiianelectric.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Current weather advisories<\/p>\n

High surf advisory:<\/a> In effect until 6 a.m. Monday, March 16 for west-facing shores of the Big Island as strong south to southwesterly winds will produce large and rough surf of 7 to 10 feet. Combined with strong currents along those western shorelines, swimming and other ocean activities will be dangerous. When in doubt, don\u2019t go out.<\/p>\n

Flood watch:<\/a> In effect islandwide through Sunday night, March 15. Click on the embedded link to learn more.<\/p>\n

Wind warning:<\/a> A high wind warning is now in effect for Big Island summits on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa until 6 a.m. Monday, March 16.<\/p>\n

Wind advisory<\/a>:<\/a> The wind advisory for the Big Island has been canceled. <\/p>\n

Winter storm warning<\/a>:<\/a> The temperature has risen above freezing and snow has changed over to rain. Snow may still periodically mix with rain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Graphic Courtesy: National Weather Service<\/p>\n

Water main break<\/p>\n

Department of Water Supply customers in the Konawaena and N\u0101p\u014d\u02bbopo\u02bbo areas are without water as crews work to repair a water main break in South Kona. <\/p>\n

A Department of Water Supply water tanker is stationed on the makai side of the Kealakekua Ranch Center for public use during the interruption.<\/p>\n

Water restriction<\/p>\n

Water customers in North and South Kona, North Kohala, P\u0101hoa and Mountain View are asked to restrict water use to essential needs \u2014 and everyone on the island to conserve water \u2014 only because of possible prolonged power outages.<\/p>\n

The department relies on Hawaiian Electric to power its wells and booster pumps for water distribution, an extended power outage could deplete portions of the department\u2019s water systems and leave customers with low pressure or no water at all.<\/p>\n

Big Island summits<\/p>\n

A high wind warning is now in effect for Big Island summits until 6 a.m. Monday, March 16. <\/p>\n

Southwest winds are reaching 50 to 80 miles per hour with gusts up to 100 miles per hour on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, which can be dangerous for driving and walking. <\/p>\n

Motorists, especially those in high profile vehicles, are urged to drive with extreme caution. However, travel o summit areas should be delayed until winds subside.<\/p>\n

Closed emergency shelters<\/p>\n

Kekuaokalani Gym, 75-5500 Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona.<\/p>\n

N\u0101\u02bb\u0101lehu Community Center, 95-5635 Hawai\u02bbi Belt Road, N\u0101\u02bb\u0101lehu.<\/p>\n

Robert N. Herkes Gym, 96-1219 Kamani St., P\u0101hala.<\/p>\n

Pu\u02bbu\u02bbeo Community Center, 145 Wainaku St., Hilo.<\/p>\n

Pana\u02bbewa Park, 100 Ohuohu St., Hilo.<\/p>\n

Pap\u0101\u02bbaloa Park Annex, 35-1994 Government Main Road, Pap\u0101\u02bbaloa.<\/p>\n

Honoka\u02bba Gym, 45-541 Lehua St. Honoka\u02bba.<\/p>\n

Waimea Community Center, 65-1260 Kawaihae Road, Waimea.<\/p>\n

Ikuo Hisaoka Gymnasium, 54-382 Kamehameha Park Road, Kapa\u02bbau.<\/p>\n

Waik\u014dloa Elementary School cafeteria, 68-1730 Hooko St., Waik\u014dloa.<\/p>\n

Yano Hall, 82-6156 M\u0101malahoa Highway, Captain Cook.<\/p>\n

P\u0101hoa Neighborhood Facility, 15-2910 Kauhale St., P\u0101hoa.<\/p>\n

People using a shelter should bring their own supplies, including sleeping bags, food, water, necessary medications and pet food. All shelters, except Waik\u014dloa Elementary School, are pet-friendly. Pets must be kept in a crate or carrier.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Graphic Courtesy: National Weather Service<\/p>\n

Road closures<\/p>\n

Ka\u02bbal\u0101iki Road (Cane Haul Road) in Ka\u2018\u016b between P\u0101hala and N\u0101\u2018\u0101lehu closed because of flooding.<\/p>\n

Waipi\u2018o Valley Road in H\u0101m\u0101kua is open to residents and farmers only.<\/p>\n

Wood Valley Road in P\u0101hala in Ka\u2018\u016b because of flooding.<\/p>\n

Kohala Mountain Road, also known as Highway 250, tree down at 20-mile marker. State crew responding.<\/p>\n

Hual\u0101lai Road, between Kakalina Street and Hienaloli Road, because of roadway damage from rain and flooding. Both lanes closed.<\/p>\n

Previously closed roads now open again<\/p>\n

Ali\u02bbi Drive (Ali\u02bbi Bypass), between Haleki\u02bbi Street and N\u0101p\u014d\u02bbopo\u02bbo Road in Kailua-Kona, is open in both directions.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ali\u02bbi Drive, between Ka\u02bbahumanu Place (Kailua Pier) and Sarona Road, is open in both directions.<\/p>\n

Highway 11 between the 65- and 66-mile markers in H\u0101\u02bbao Springs Road\/Wai\u02bb\u014dhinu, is open.<\/p>\n

Highway 11, between the 62 and 56 mile markers in Kawa, has now open and barricades have been removed.<\/p>\n

Highway 11 between the 50- and 51-mile markers in P\u0101hala, is open. <\/p>\n

Highway 11, between the 50-mile marker and Kamani Street in P\u0101hala, is open.<\/p>\n

Highway 11, between Pinao Street and Ka\u02bbalu\u02bbalu Road in Ka\u2018\u016b, is open.<\/p>\n

Highway 11, near the intersection of North Glenwood Road at the 22-mile marker, is open to all traffic.<\/p>\n

Highways 190, 11 and 130, is open with fallen trees cleared.<\/p>\n

Highway 130, near 3-mile marker, is open.<\/p>\n

Queen Ka\u02bbahumanu Highway, between H\u0101puna Beach and Kawaihae Road intersection, is open.<\/p>\n

Kawaihae Road, near Spencer Beach Park and Kawaihae Harbor, is open. <\/p>\n

\u02bbAkoni Pule Highway, at the 4-mile marker in Kawaihae, is open.<\/p>\n

Queen Ka\u02bbahumanu Highway, near the Mormon Temple, is open. <\/p>\n

Hawai\u02bbi Volcanoes National Park<\/p>\n

Hawai\u02bbi Volcanoes National Park remains closed today due to power outages, downed power lines, fallen trees, flooding and other storm-related damage. <\/p>\n

Park rangers and other staff are working to assess damage and clear roadways. The park could reopen some areas on Monday, March 16 but there is no timeline.<\/p>\n

Overnight guests of Kilauea Military Camp and Volcano House may enter the park and shelter in place.<\/p>\n

Closures and cancellations<\/p>\n

All Hawai\u2018i County offices closed through Sunday for all nonemergency services<\/p>\n

All Hawai\u2018i County beach parks closed through Sunday.<\/p>\n

All Hawai\u2018i County transfer stations, solid waste facilities and landfills closed through Sunday. County officials ask and urge residents to not leave rubbish at the closed transfer stations.<\/p>\n

Hilo Municipal Golf Course closed through Sunday.<\/p>\n

Pana\u02bbewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens closed through Sunday.<\/p>\n

Hawai\u2018i state parks; visit the\u00a0Hawai\u02bbi State Parks web page<\/a>\u00a0for updates about storm-related closures.<\/p>\n

Several areas inside Hawai\u2018i Volcanoes National Park<\/a>, including Mauna Loa summit<\/p>\n

All Hawai\u2018i public libraries<\/p>\n

All public and charter schools as well as many University of Hawai\u2019i campuses statewide<\/p>\n

Hawai\u02bbi Judiciary facilities and services, as well as state offices\u00a0<\/p>\n

All fixed route Hele-On buses and paratransit services are canceled again Sunday. Check the Hele-On X page<\/a> for updates. Call 808-640-1020 for additional paratransit updates.<\/p>\n

Camping permits at all Hawai\u2018i County parks are canceled through Monday morning (March 16).<\/p>\n

Schatz statement <\/p>\n

Hawai\u2018i Democrat U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz released this statement about the severe weather affecting communities throughout Hawai\u2018i:<\/p>\n

\u201cMy team and I are in contact with state and local leaders and closely monitoring the devastating storm impacting communities across Hawai\u2018i. The priority right now is keeping people safe and supporting first responders. We will continue working with federal, state, and county partners to ensure Hawai\u2018i gets the federal resources it needs in the days and weeks ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stay informed<\/p>\n

Hawai\u02bbi County will provide updates as conditions evolve. Residents can receive emergency notifications by\u00a0signing up for Hawai\u02bbi County Civil Defense alerts<\/a>.<\/p>\n

View the\u00a0Hawai\u02bbi County Hazard Impact Map<\/a>\u00a0for additional weather-related information.<\/p>\n

Stay updated about weather by visiting the Big Island Now weather page<\/a> and the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Screenshot of Hawai\u02bbi County Hazard Impact Map from Saturday, March 14, 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Highway 11 pictured Saturday afternoon, March 14, 2026 at the 50-mile marker north of Kea\u012bwa. (Photo Shared: Hawai\u02bbi…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":526535,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[30384,192,42692,187370,79,7157,2986,110990],"class_list":["post-526534","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-environment","tag-big-island","tag-environment","tag-flood-watch","tag-kona-low","tag-science","tag-update","tag-weather","tag-wind-advisory"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/526534","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=526534"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/526534\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/526535"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=526534"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=526534"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=526534"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}