Heavy rain to renew flash flood, mudslide threat in Hawaii through Friday

As cleanup continues following devastating flooding and mudslides last weekend, the Hawaiian Islands will face another round of heavy rainfall to end the week.

In addition to slowing recovery efforts and dampening vacation plans, the wet weather will renew the dangers of flooding, mudslides and debris flows.

A plume of moisture over the islands will bring widespread rainfall once again through Friday, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Eric Leister.

The downpours can drop a quick 1-2 inches of rain in as many hours, which may further strain storm drains that were overwhelmed during the most recent deluge.

The island of Kauai, which was hardest hit by heavy rainfall over the past weekend, will be most susceptible to renewed flooding.

Any additional rainfall will trigger a large amount of surface runoff due to the saturated soil.

However, residents and tourists across the rest of the island chain should not let their guard down, as any downpour could be heavy enough to trigger flash flooding.

Those who live near small streams or rivers should be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Having an emergency go bag on hand can save valuable minutes in the event of a quick evacuation.

Hikers are discouraged from venturing out during the pattern, as they may be at risk of becoming stranded if water levels rise rapidly.

Drivers should not cross flooded roadways and should instead turn around and find a safer route.

Anyone with plans to travel or hike to the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa through Friday should consider altering their plans. There will be enough cold air aloft with the storm to trigger a heavy accumulation of snow on these mountains.

A quieter weather pattern will return to Hawaii over the weekend and into early next week as the storm moves eastward and a more typical trade-wind flow resumes.

Report a Typo