Heavy bands of rain had Molokaʻi on edge as a flash flood advisory from the National Weather Service remained in effect until 6:00 p.m. HST on Thursday, April 8. State and county emergency channels urged residents to stay off low-lying roads and keep well away from streams and drainage channels as the weather system rolled through.
The @NWSHonolulu has issued a Flash Flood Advisory for Molokaʻi until 6:00pm HST (4/8). More info here: https://t.co/VlBl5OwegF
— Hawaii EMA (@Hawaii_EMA) April 9, 2026
What the advisory covered
According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, the alert applied to multiple Molokaʻi forecast zones and was issued as part of a statewide Flood Watch from April 8 through April 10. The watch warned that training showers and thunderstorms could lead to rapid runoff and localized flooding in gulches, streams and low-lying roads.
Why Molokaʻi was vulnerable
Forecasters said a Kona low pattern was funneling deep tropical moisture northward, raising the odds of intense downpours after earlier March storms had already left soils saturated, according to the AP. Local weather teams had flagged the period as a high-risk stretch for heavy rain, and Hawaii News Now rolled out First Alert coverage ahead of the system.
What officials advised
State emergency officials reposted the National Weather Service alert and reminded followers that the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency social accounts are not monitored around the clock, urging people to call 9-1-1 for emergencies, according to HI-EMA. County pages shared shelter locations and travel cautions for communities in the path of the storm, including Molokaʻi shelter openings posted by Maui County MEMA.
How to stay safe
Officials urged residents to avoid driving through flood water at all costs and to move to higher ground if rising water threatens homes or roadways. The National Weather Service also advised people to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches and culverts, and to keep an eye on updates as additional warnings are issued.
Agencies said forecasts and watches would be updated as conditions evolve, and residents were encouraged to sign up for local alerts through the state alert portal. For more information on preparedness and how to register for alerts, see HI-EMA.
