Gov. Josh Green signs emergency proclamation in response to kona low threat

May 15—1/1

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COURTESY NOAA/NESDIS/STAR GOES-WEST

Areas of moisture are seen around the islands in this satellite image today.

UPDATE: 11:05 p.m.

The flood advisory for Oahu has expired.

9:10 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for Oahu until 10:45 p.m.

"At 7:35 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain over much of Oahu," the advisory said. "Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour."

The advisory covers Honolulu, Waipio, Aiea, Halawa, Moanalua, Salt Lake, Pearl City, Kalihi, Ahuimanu, Kahaluu, Waiahole, Waikane, Waikele, Iroquois Point, Waipahu, Kaneohe, Mililani, Manoa, Kunia and Maunawili.

The weather service also issued a wind advisory for Hawaii island summits until 4 a.m. Thursday, with southwest winds of 45 to 50 mph and gusts up to 60 mph predicted.

A flood watch remains in effect all islands except the Big Isle through Friday.

7:45 p.m.

Gov. Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation today in response to the kona low weather event.

The emergency proclamation is effective immediately and allows the adjutant general to activate units of the National Guard to work in coordination with local authorities, emergency management agencies and others to mitigate the impact of the storm.

County and state agencies are directed to provide emergency relief and engage in emergency management functions. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is on partial activation.

Also, a flood advisory has been issued for Oahu until 10:45 p.m. tonight.

Radar this evening indicated heavy rain over much of the island with rain falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

The National Weather Service warned of minor flooding on roads, poor drainage areas and in streams.

6:20 p.m.

The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management plans to activate its Emergency Operations Center at 7 p.m. as a kona low weather system threatens thunderstorms, heavy rain and flooding tonight and Thursday.

A flood watch remains in effect all islands except the Big Isle through Friday.

Forecasters predict that Oahucould see up to 6 inches of rain through Thursday, with some areas at risk of up to 10 inches, city officials said.

"This has all the indications of being a serious storm, and we are asking everyone to be very careful over the next several days," Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a news release. "Take precautions now. If possible, stay off the roads, especially on Thursday. If you must drive, be aware of hazardous conditions, including ponding on roadways."

3 p.m.

A flood watch remains for Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe and Niihau through Friday, while the flood watch has been canceled for Hawaii island.

"Significant flooding may occur due to the overflow of streams and drainages. Roads in several areas may be closed, along with property damage in urban or low lying spots due to runoff. Landslides may also occur in areas with steep terrain," forecasters said.

A Kona low developing to the north is expected to bring possible heavy rain and thunderstorms over portions of the state through at least Friday. Oahu and parts of Maui are expected to bear the brunt of the excessive rain showers beginning tonight and continuing through Thursday. Heavy rainfall is likely to shift toward Kauai on Friday.

Forecasters warn that the weather may change, so be prepared for the possibility of flash flooding.

EARLIER COVERAGE

A flood watch for the entire state of Hawaii is in effect through Friday evening.

Significant flooding may occur due to the overflow of streams and drainages, the National Weather Service said in a bulletin today. Roads in several areas may be closed and property damage in urban or low-lying spots may occur due to runoff. There is also a risk of landslides in areas with steep terrain.

Another developing kona low, located about 600 miles north of Kauai at 4 a.m. today, will intensify and meander around well northwest of the islands into next week, according to the NWS.

The low will turn our winds southerly, pulling up a large amount of moisture from the deep tropics over the islands, the NWS said.

A slow-moving band of showers and a few thunderstorms are forecast to develop near Oahu and Maui County tonight into Thursday, slowly shifting westward toward Kauai by Friday.

"Excessive rainfall and flash flooding will be a significant concern," weather officials said. "Other areas away from the main band could see spotty downpours and localized flooding problems as well."

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