Honolulu Star-Advertiser-storm update

Author:

“Flash Flood Warning again extended for Maui and Hawaii Island.”

Views expressed in this Hawaii storm update are those of the reporters and correspondents.

Accessed on 15 March 2026, 0043 UTC (Saturday afternoon Hawaii time).

URL–https://www.staradvertiser.com/2026/03/14/breaking-news/flash-flood-warnings-extended-across-several-islands-into-saturday/

https://www.staradvertiser.com/2026/03/14/breaking-news/flash-flood-warnings-extended-across-several-islands-into-saturday/

Please check URL or scroll down to read your selections.  Thanks for joining us today.

Russ Roberts (https://hawaiinewsjournal.com).

Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Saturday, March 14, 2026 76°Today’s Paper


Flash flood warnings again extended for Maui, Hawaii island

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
                                City crews work to mitigate floodwater on Queen Street during the Kona low storm system on Friday.
                                <a href="https://www.staradvertiser.com/2026/03/13/photo-gallery/kona-low-storm-soaks-oahu/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see more photos.
1/2

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM

City crews work to mitigate floodwater on Queen Street during the Kona low storm system on Friday.

Click here Opens in a new tab to see more photos.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
                                City crews work to mitigate floodwater on Queen Street during the Kona low storm system on Friday.
                                <a href="https://www.staradvertiser.com/2026/03/13/photo-gallery/kona-low-storm-soaks-oahu/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see more photos.

UPDATE: 2 p.m.

Flash flood warnings now cover Hawaii island and Maui as a powerful storm continues to bring heavy rain, dangerous winds and hazardous ocean conditions across the state.

“At 1:48 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain continuing to fall over the Puna and Kau districts along the southeast slopes of the Big Island. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour with more rain expected,” the National Weather Service said in the warning.

Emergency officials report Highway 11 is closed between mile markers 50 and 51, effectively cutting off the community of Pahala as water continues to rise.

The warning for Hawaii island remains in effect until 5 p.m., with officials warning of life-threatening flash flooding in streams, rivers, roadways and low-lying areas.

Authorities warn that multiple road closures and landslides are possible, especially in steep terrain.

 

Heavy rain is also continuing across Maui, where a flash flood warning remains in effect until 5 p.m. for the entire island.

“At 1:20 p.m., radar indicated moderate to heavy rain continuing over the island of Maui. Rain was falling at a rate of half an inch to 1 inch per hour,” the NWS said in the warning.

The heaviest rainfall has been falling on the south-facing slopes of Haleakala, between Makena and Hamoa.

Emergency management officials report multiple roads already closed due to flooding, and the weather service warns that rock and mudslides are possible in steep terrain.

Meanwhile, a high wind warning remains in effect through Sunday evening across Maui County and parts of Hawaii island.

Southwest winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts exceeding 60 mph are expected in many communities.

At higher elevations — including the Haleakala and Hawaii island summits — southwest winds could reach 55 to 75 mph with gusts up to 110 mph, according to the weather service.

Those winds could down trees and power lines, damage roofs and create hazardous driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles.

Conditions are also deteriorating offshore.

A gale warning is in effect across Hawaiian offshore waters, where southwest winds up to 35 knots and seas of 8 to 15 feet are expected.

Forecasters say scattered thunderstorms are also possible across parts of the region.

Officials are urging residents to stay away from streams and drainage channels and never attempt to drive through floodwaters.

“Turn around, don’t drown,” the weather service warns.

Authorities say additional warnings or extensions are possible if the storm system continues to produce heavy rain into the evening.

Noon

Heavy rain spreading across the state has prompted a new flood advisory for Oahu as bands of showers associated with the Kona-low storm continue moving through the islands.

The National Weather Service issued the advisory just before noon, and it will remain in effect until 3 p.m.

Radar showed heavy rain moving across the island from the southwest with rainfall rates of about 0.5 inch to 1 inch per hour. Forecasters said the downpours could lead to minor flooding on roads, in streams and in areas with poor drainage.

Officials urged residents to avoid streams, drainage ditches and other low-lying areas prone to flooding as showers continue to move over the island through this afternoon.

The advisory comes as the broader Kona-low storm continues to bring unsettled weather across the state, with periods of heavy rain and gusty winds still affecting several islands.

Forecasters said the advisory could be extended later in the day if flooding problems persist.

11:50 a.m.

Forecasters have issued a new flood advisory for Hawaii island while downgrading a high wind warning to a wind advisory for Kauai County and Oahu as the Kona-low storm continues to bring unsettled weather across the state.

The National Weather Service said today that the flood advisory for Hawaii island will remain in effect until 2:45 p.m. as bands of heavy rain move across the slopes of North and South Kona.

Radar at 11:36 a.m. showed rainfall rates of about 0.5 to 1 inch per hour, which could cause minor flooding on roads, in streams and in low-lying areas with poor drainage.

Officials warned residents to stay away from streams and drainage channels and to avoid flood-prone areas as additional showers move across the region this afternoon.

Meanwhile, strong winds continue across Oahu and Kauai County, though conditions have eased slightly since earlier in the day. The NWS canceled the high wind warning that had been in effect and replaced it with a wind advisory through 6 a.m. Sunday.

Southwesterly winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are still expected, particularly in areas north and east of steep mountains, where terrain can accelerate gusts.

Forecasters warned that winds of that strength could still bring down tree branches, damage tents and awnings and make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

Residents across the islands were advised to remain alert for falling debris, secure loose outdoor items and prepare for the possibility of additional power outages as the Kona-low storm continues to move through the state.

11:20 a.m.

Emergency officials are urging residents across the state to remain cautious as the powerful Kona-low storm continues to bring flooding, strong winds and widespread disruptions across several islands.

The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management said this morning that heavy rain and gusty winds are expected to persist through the day on Oahu, where numerous road closures, power outages and hazardous driving conditions have been reported. City officials said emergency crews continue to monitor streams, dams and levees as the storm moves through, but no new evacuation orders have been issued.

Officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and outdoor activity, noting that intersections with dark traffic lights should be treated as four-way stops. Shelters remain open Opens in a new tab for residents and visitors affected by the storm, while several city services remain suspended, including curbside rubbish collection from Kailua to Laie.

Rail service on the Honolulu Skyline may be delayed today due to the power outages. Riders are advised to check honolulu.gov/dts/skyline/ Opens in a new tab for service updates.

Conditions remain especially dangerous on Hawaii island, where the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency warned that life-threatening flooding is possible in the Kau and Puna districts under an ongoing flash flood warning. Officials said Highway 11 in Kau has been closed between mile markers 56 and 62 because of floodwaters, and additional road closures may occur without notice.

A high wind warning also remains in effect across Hawaii island, where strong winds have caused utility outages islandwide. Residents were asked to conserve water where possible during the outages and to stay off the roads unless travel is necessary.

Authorities across the islands are continuing to monitor conditions as heavy rain bands associated with the Kona-low system move through the state, and additional alerts may be issued if flooding worsens or winds strengthen. Residents are being reminded not to drive or walk through flooded roadways and to move to higher ground if flooding threatens their area.

10:20 a.m.

Flash flood warnings have been extended for the islands of Hawaii and Maui as heavy rain continues to move across parts of the state, while the warning for Molokai has been canceled as conditions begin to improve there.

The National Weather Service said today that the warning for Hawaii island and Maui will remain in effect until 2 p.m. as bands of moderate to heavy rain continue to develop over windward and southeastern slopes.

Radar indicated rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour at times across the Puna and Kau districts on Hawaii island, where emergency officials reported that Highway 11 was closed at Kawa Flats because of flooding.

Forecasters said flooding remains possible in streams, rivers, roads and other low-lying areas, and warned that landslides could occur in steep terrain where the ground is saturated.

On Maui, radar showed moderate to heavy rain continuing across the island, with the heaviest rainfall focused along the south-facing slopes of Haleakala between Makena and Hamoa. Streams have risen in some areas, and additional heavy showers were approaching from the southwest this morning.

Meanwhile, the flash flood warning for Molokai was canceled at about 10:15 a.m. after rainfall diminished and stream levels began to drop.

The NWS said a flood watch remains in effect through Sunday night for Maui County — including Maui, Molokai, Lanai — and Hawaii island, tonight for Oahu and this afternoon for Kauai, meaning additional heavy rainfall could still lead to flooding for affected areas.

Officials continue to advise residents to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and culverts and to avoid driving or walking through flooded roadways, warning that water levels can rise quickly even after rainfall begins to ease.

8:45 a.m.

The flash flood warnings for Maui, Molokai and Hawaii island have all been extended until 11 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

The entire state remains under a flood watch through this afternoon for Kauai, tonight for Oahu, and Sunday night for Maui County and Hawaii island.

Hawaii island’s warning includes Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Wood Valley, Pahala, Volcano, Glenwood, Punaluu Beach, Kawa Flats, Mountain View, Naalehu, Hawaiian Acres, Orchidlands Estates, Keaau, Pahoa, Hawaiian Ocean View, Fern Forest, Eden Roc, Fern Acres and Waiohinu.

“At 7:09 a.m., radar indicated heavy rain continued to impact the Puna and Kau districts along the southeast slopes of the Big Island,” the warning said. “Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Additionally, Emergency Management reported that Wood Valley Road remains closed in both directions due to flooding.”

Maui’s warning covers the entire island. “At 7 a.m., radar indicated moderate rain over the island of Maui,” the NWS said. “Stream levels remain elevated, and although there is a temporary decrease in rainfall, more heavy rain can be observed to the southwest approaching the island. The heaviest rain was falling over the south-facing slopes of Mount Haleakala between Makena and Hamoa. Additionally, Emergency Management has reported several roads closed across the island due to flooding.”

The Molokai warning also covers the entire island. “At 7:05 a.m., radar indicated moderate rain over Molokai, with rain falling at a rate of half an inch per hour,” the warning said. “Although rainfall rates remain low, Emergency Management reported that high water continues to flow over Kamehameha Highway near mile marker 6, and that it is currently closed to vehicular traffic. Additional rainis expected to move in from the southwest.”

NWS officials adise the public to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are dry; do not cross fast-flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot.

Saturday, 6:45 a.m.

The flash flood warning for Oahu expired this morning but is still in place of Maui, Molokai and parts of Hawaii island, while the entire state remains under a flood watch.

The warnings for the three islands are in effect until 8 a.m. but may be extended if conditions persist, forecasters said.

“At 5:14 a.m., radar indicated moderate to heavy rain over the island of Maui. Rain was falling at a rate of half an inch to 1 inch per hour,” the NWS’s Maui warning said. “The heaviest rain was falling over the south-facing slopes of Mount Haleakala between Makena and Hamoa. Additionally, Emergency Management continues to report several roads closed in Kihei due to flooding.”

Forecasters warned of flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas, and possible road closure and landslides.

For Molokai, the NWS said, “At 5:11 a.m., radar indicated moderate rain over Molokai, with rain falling at a rate of half an inch per hour. Although rainfall rates remain low, Emergency Management reported that high water continues to flow over Kamehameha Highway near mile marker 6, and that it is currently closed to vehicular traffic.”

The Big Island warning covers the southeast portion of the island, including Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Wood Valley, Pahala, Volcano, Glenwood, Punaluu Beach, Kawa Flats, Mountain View, Naalehu, Hawaiian Acres, Orchidlands Estates, Keaau, Pahoa, Hawaiian Ocean View, Fern Forest, Eden Roc, Fern Acres and Waiohinu.

“At 3:45 a.m., radar indicated heavy rain continued to impact the Puna and Kau Districts along the southeast slopes of the Big Island,” the warning said. “Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Additionally, Emergency Management reported that Wood Valley Road remains closed in both directions due to flooding.”

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

The National Weather Service has extended flash flood warnings for multiple islands early Saturday morning as heavy rainfall and flooding continue to impact parts of the state.

On Oahu, the flash flood warning has been extended until 4 a.m. Heavy rainfall is beginning to ease, but flooding problems are still being reported across the island. Forecasters say additional rainfall is developing and expected to move in within the next hour, which means flash flooding could continue overnight.

On Hawaii island, heavy rain continues to affect the Puna and Kau districts along the island’s southeast slopes. Wood Valley Road remains closed in both directions due to flooding. The flash flood warning for the island is also in effect until 4 a.m.

On Molokai, the warning has been extended until 3 a.m. Emergency management reported high water flowing across Kamehameha Highway near mile marker 6, with the road currently passable only to four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Maui remains under a flash flood warning until 3 a.m. The heaviest rain has been concentrated along south-facing slopes and coastal areas from Maalaea Bay through Kihei and Makena to Kipahulu. Emergency officials reported several road closures in Kihei and Lahaina due to significant flooding.

Officials urge residents to avoid flooded roadways and remain alert for changing conditions, as heavy rain bands continue moving through parts of the island chain overnight.

High wind warning in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday

Forecasters say southwest winds of 25 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph, are expected across the islands.

Officials warn that powerful gusts could down trees and power lines and damage roofs, potentially leading to more power outages. Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items and remain cautious while traveling as windy conditions continue through early Sunday morning.

RELATED STORIES

>> Honolulu Festival will hold indoor events; parade and fireworks show canceled Opens in a new tab

>> Over 111,000 HECO customers without power Opens in a new tab

>> List of state and county closures, and emergency shelters Opens in a new tab

>> Heavy rain triggers flash flood warnings, road closures on Friday Opens in a new tab

 


Discover more from Hawaii News Journal

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Please leave a comment or opinion.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Hawaii News Journal

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading