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Kona Low Brings Flood Threat, Summit Snow and High Winds to Hawaii

Forecasters highlight flooding as the most pressing risk, with most alerts expected to ease by midweek.

Overview

  • The National Weather Service has a Flood Watch in place statewide through at least Monday afternoon as heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms pose risks of flash flooding and landslides.
  • A Winter Storm Warning for Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa above 11,000 feet remains in effect until 6 a.m. HST Tuesday, with heavy mixed precipitation and significant rime icing on summit roads.
  • Snow projections differ, with NWS guidance calling for about 5 to 10 inches of additional accumulation while the FOX Forecast Center expects up to six inches.
  • High wind warnings at the summits call for southeast winds of 50–60 mph with gusts up to 75 mph, creating whiteout conditions that could make travel impossible.
  • East-facing shores are under a high surf advisory for 8–12 foot waves through Wednesday, and the Kona low is forecast to weaken by midweek with a weaker disturbance possible later.