Honolulu is bracing for a stretch of wild weather as a kona low takes shape to the north of Kauai, with forecasters warning of thunderstorms, heavy showers, and the potential for flash flooding across the state. A statement released by the National Weather Service in Honolulu outlines the imminent conditions, predicting that rainband-associated tempests will persist for the next couple of days.
Residents in low-lying areas are advised to stay alert as a Flood Watch remains effective through Monday afternoon. It appears that the Big Island and Maui County will bear the brunt of the rainfall, with anticipated multi-day totals edging up due to "persistent southeasterly flow" pushing moisture up against the mountain slopes. Even as the winds are set to ramp up to advisories in lower elevations, forewarned, the Big Island's summits may face gusts so severe that a High Wind Watch is now in place beginning Monday.
Travelers may find this weather impacting their plans with the ongoing disturbance set to cause variations in visibility and potentially endanger flights. "Light and variable winds become more southerly today as the weather conditions turn unstable," reports the NWS, highlighting that ensuing MVFR and possible local IFR conditions could emerge in areas enduring moderate to severe downpours coupled with sporadic thunderstorms across the state through Monday.
Those taking to the sea are also in for a rough ride as the Kona low stirs up challenging conditions. A Small Craft Advisory (SCA) is invoked across the waters surrounding the Big Island and Maui windward waters initially and will expand as the evening approaches, thanks to a Gale Watch being issued for Monday morning through evening due to anticipated gale force winds in the Alenuihaha Channel. Furthermore, surf conditions are projected to escalate significantly along east-facing shores, likely exceeding High Surf Advisory thresholds as the week progresses.
Lastly, for those with waterfront properties or plans to visit coastal areas, a king tide combined with the north-northeast swell is expected to result in minor flooding, particularly during peak high tide. Residents and visitors should keep abreast of the situation, as highlighted by the Coastal Flood Statement, which has been extended through Monday morning to stress the increased risk during these periods, as per NWS.
