Hawaii faces renewed flooding, mudslides as third Kona storm ramps up
Heavy rain from a developing Kona storm will bring flooding, mudslides and travel disruptions across Hawaii, with the threat continuing into next week as moisture stalls over the islands.
A third Kona storm in less than a month is bringing a renewed flood risk, possible mudslides and plenty of travel disruptions to the islands this weekend.
The third storm in less than a month is bringing more downpours to Hawaii, with rainfall expected to renew dangerous flooding and mudslides into next week.
"The wet weather is being produced by the latest Kona storm," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson. "The storm is increasing the flow of tropical moisture across the islands on southerly winds."
Kona means "leeward" in Hawaiian, as these storms bring downpours to areas typically sheltered by persistent northeast trade winds. When the trades are active, rain is usually focused on the northeastern slopes, leaving southwestern areas mostly dry. The islands' mountainous terrain enhances both rainfall and rain shadow effects.
Downpours since Tuesday have already brought over an inch of rain to Honolulu and up to a foot of rain across the southern parts of the Big Island.
This map of Kauai, Hawaii, shows 24-hour rainfall (inches) for dozens of gauges as of early Friday morning, April 10, 2026. More rain fell prior to and after these observations were taken.
Rounds of drenching downpours and gusty thunderstorms will continue into Friday night, local time.
"The most concentrated rainfall will continue into Friday evening, local time, when excessive rainfall rates will be most common," Anderson said. In some cases, rainfall may exceed an inch per hour on south- and west-facing mountain slopes.
High water is likely on poorly drained city streets. In hilly terrain, some roads may turn into fast-moving streams. Reservoirs may fill and overflow, increasing the risk of levee issues.
"A lull in the downpours is possible on Saturday, but additional downpours and thunderstorms are likely into early next week as a front associated with the Kona storm stalls over the region," Anderson said.
Kona snow for the summits
Over the highest volcanic summits on the Big Island, heavy snow will fall at times, along with some ice accumulation. Whiteout conditions are possible. These summits rise above 13,000 feet, where snow is not uncommon during colder winter storms, such as Kona lows.
Rough seas and severe thunderstorms
Gusty winds from the stormy pattern will stir heavy surf along the shorelines of the islands that rarely experience large waves. The stormy seas will create hazards for small craft and swimmers.
Some effects of the Kona storm may include producing a couple of tornadoes or waterspouts, which are rare around Hawaii.
Staggering rainfall totals from the 3 Kona storms
"During the prior two Kona storms in March, Maui received the most rainfall, according to reports," said AccuWeather Meteorologist and Social Media Producer Jesse Ferrell. "Between 15 and 30 inches fell on coastal flatlands, with a whopping 50 to 72 inches in the mountains."
GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP
•Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts™ with Premium+
It is conceivable that some locations over the mountains may receive 100 inches of rain or more during the approximate four-week period ending around the middle of April. Rainfall in Honolulu could approach or exceed 20 inches for the same period, compared to a historical average of near 3 inches, or six to seven times that of normal.
There is some speculation that yet another Kona storm could approach the island before the end of April.
Regardless, the recent Kona storms and the one at hand have effectively erased the long-term drought.
Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Report a Typo
