Hawaii issues flood warnings and opens emergency shelters

A heavy, unusually moist airmass is moving across the Hawaiian Islands, triggering flood watches and warnings for most major islands, including Oahu, Maui County, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii Island. The National Weather Service in Honolulu has warned of potential flash flooding and intense rainfall through Thursday.

In response to the weather threat, the City of Honolulu has opened four emergency shelters in district parks located in Wahiawa, Kaneohe, Waianae, and Manoa. These facilities are available to both residents and tourists.

On the Big Island, high wind warnings are in effect for the summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa, with gusts potentially reaching 65 mph. Consequently, the Maunakea Summit Access Road and parts of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park have been closed to the public. While some areas have already experienced significant rainfall, officials note that the overall impact has included minor flooding and road closures, such as those affecting schools on Molokai.