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NOHW40 PHFO 180017

PNSHFO

HIZ003-004-029>031-181230-



Public Information Statement

National Weather Service Honolulu HI

217 PM HST Fri May 17 2024



...LATE SEASON KONA LOW BRINGS HEAVY RAINFALL TO PORTIONS OF THE 

STATE OF HAWAII...



An unusal late season kona low has produced heavy rainfall over

portions of the state during what is normally the start of the

Hawaiian Islands dry season. This appears to be the latest kona

low to directly affect the main Hawaiian Islands in at least the

last 20 years. The last impactful kona low in May was during 2002. 

Kona lows more typically affect the State of Hawaii from November 

through March.



The kona low developed several hundred miles north of Kauai on May 

15, then moved west and strengthened on May 16. The main rain band 

from the system moved over Oahu during the early morning hours of 

May 16, with cells of northward-moving heavy rain moving over the 

island over the next 24 to 36 hours.



Impacts mainly included minor flooding of streets in multiple

areas of Oahu. A rockslide also occurred near the Pali Highway

Tunnels on May 16. Gaged streams indicated elevated flow levels,

but none overflowed their banks.



The event is ongoing as of this statement. The main rain band has

moved west off of Oahu and is approaching Kauai. A potential for

flash flooding will persist for Kauai and Niihau through Saturday

night.



The following are notable automated rain gage totals for the 2-day 

period (48 hours) ending at 8 AM HST, May 17. All amounts are in 

inches. These totals are considered preliminary for information 

purposes only.



Location                            2-day total



Oahu



MAUH1 Maunawili                       10.84

STVH1 St. Stephens                     9.68

LULH1 Luluku                           9.11

WMLH1 Waimanalo                        8.31

WAWH1 Waiawa Corr. Fac.                7.98

WPPH1 Waihee Pump                      6.88

AHUH1 Ahuimanu Loop                    6.83

MITH1 Mililani                         6.47

KMHH1 Kamehame                         6.43

MKHH1 Makaha Stream (USGS)             6.37

PFSH1 Palolo Fire Station              6.35

KTAH1 Kahuku Training Area             5.50



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Kodama