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<\/a>National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite image from early Thursday evening, March 19, 2026. (Image Courtesy: National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website)<\/p>\nThis storm is not expected to be as severe as the powerful kona low that slammed into the island last weekend; however, ground remains saturated, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.<\/p>\n
BE AWARE: Areas that flooded during the first storm could flood faster with additional rainfall from the impending kona low because of that ground saturation.<\/p>\n
National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu issued a statewide flood watch in effect through Sunday afternoon, March 22.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we recover from the last kona low, it is important to remain vigilant and ready for what this other system could bring,\u201d said Hawai\u02bbi County Mayor Kimo Alameda in a county release urging storm readiness. \u201cNow is the time to make sure your property is ready and to check on your friends, neighbors and family members, who may need extra help following last week\u2019s storm.\u201d<\/p>\n
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ADARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD<\/p>\n
The incoming kona low is anticipated to produce several rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall, with peak impacts for Hawai\u02bbi Island expected from Friday night, March 20, through Sunday.<\/p>\n
Prepare for flooding<\/p>\n
Check drainage areas around your property.<\/p>\n
Request sandbags from Hawai\u02bbi County Department of Public Works via email dpwhwy@hawaiicounty.gov or by calling 808-961-8321 If you are concerned about flooding.<\/p>\n
Never cross moving water, on foot or in a vehicle: \u201cTurn around, don\u2019t drown.\u201d<\/p>\n
Have a \u201cgo bag\u201d ready in case evacuation is necessary or ordered, especially if your home is in an area prone to flooding. It should include food, water, necessary medication, important documents and other necessities for all your household members \u2014 including pets.<\/p>\n
Check in with neighbors, especially those who might have mobility problems, to make sure they have a safe way to evacuate if necessary.<\/p>\n
Storm recovery<\/p>\n Residents in need of assistance following last weekend\u2019s powerful kona low are encouraged to submit a request for assistance. Vibrant Hawai\u02bbi, in partnership with the county, established a request-for-assistance form available online<\/a>.<\/p>\n Residents and businesses are also encouraged to submit damage reports, which assist the county with identifying priorities and focusing resources if state or federal disaster assistance becomes available.<\/p>\n Damage reports can be submitted online<\/a> or by calling Hawai\u02bbi County Civil Defense at 808-935-0031.<\/p>\n ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD<\/p>\n Request a welfare check by contacting Hawai\u02bbi County Civil Defense at the same number above or via email at civildefense@hawaiicounty.gov<\/a> if you have not been able to contact a family member, friend or neighbor following the last storm.<\/p>\n Drone surveys<\/p>\n Residents are advised that Drone surveys could occur in the N\u0101n\u0101wale and Leilani Estates areas throughout about the next 24 hours to assist recovery efforts and identify storm damage.<\/p>\n The surveys are for the sole purpose of disaster recovery and conducted through a partnership between Hawai\u02bbi County and University of Hawai\u02bbi.<\/p>\n Drone flights are weather dependent, limited to daylight hours and will occur in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations.<\/p>\n ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD<\/p>\n Contact Hawai\u02bbi County Civil Defense at 808-935-0031 with any questions about drone surveys.<\/p>\n Stay informed<\/p>\n Hawai\u02bbi County will provide updates as conditions evolve.<\/p>\n Residents can receive emergency notifications by signing up for alerts at the Hawai\u02bbi County Civil Defense website<\/a>.<\/p>\n The public also is encouraged to view the Hawai\u02bbi County Hazard Impact Map<\/a>\u00a0for up-to-date information about road closures and other storm-related impacts.<\/p>\n<\/a>Highway 11 pictured Saturday afternoon, March 14, 2026 at the 50-mile marker north of Kea\u012bwa. (Photo Courtesy: Hawai\u02bbi Department of Transportation Facebook page)<\/p>\n<\/a>Front yard of Tom Greenwell on March 16, 2026, in Kealakekua after a powerful kona low slammed into the Big Island last weekend. (Photo Courtesy: Tom Greenwell)<\/p>\n