USA – Record Rainfall Causes Damaging Floods in Hawaii

Hawaii Governor David Ige issued an emergency proclamation on 15 April for the County of Kauaʻi after unprecedented rains caused major flooding and a series of landslides.

The National Weather Service recorded over 27 inches (685 mm) of rainfall in Hanalei on the island of Kauai during a 24-hour period from 14 to 15 April.

“We’ve mobilized to assist Mayor Carvalho and his emergency management team. The Hawaiʻi Guard and the City and County of Honolulu are preparing to help Kauaʻi with search and rescue operations as crews continue to clear the roadway,” said Governor Ige.

The proclamation authorizes the expenditure of state monies as appropriated for the speedy and efficient relief of damages caused by this weather event.

Rescues

County of Kaua’i officials said the Kaua’i Emergency Management Emergency Operations Center has been activated since early Saturday morning and is continuing to partner with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Army and the Honolulu Fire Department to support the ongoing search and rescue operations on the North Shore.

Officials added that both on-duty and off-duty emergency personnel have performed a number of rescues and evacuations since Saturday night. The exact number of rescues are not yet known and no major injuries have been reported at this time.

The Coast Guard responded to the vicinity of Hanalei Bay, April 15, 2018 to assist local authorities after the area sustained flooding and landslides due to heavy thunderstorms over the weekend.

U.S. Coast Guard video below by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Verdura

Damage

Roads have been washed out and schools have been closed. Both water and power supply interrupted.

Dozens of homes have sustained damage in Hanalei, Wainiha, Haena and Anahola. Evacuation were shelters were opened to house those displaced from their homes.

At least two homes were dragged from their foundations in in fast-moving floodwaters on the northern side of the island on Saturday 14 April. No injuries have been reported.

Rainfall and Rivers

The National Weather Service recorded 27.52 inches (699 mm) of rainfall in a 24-hour period from 14 to 15 April in Hanalei. NWS Hawaii said “This beats all 1-and 2-day rainfall records in Hanalei.”

By the afternoon of Sunday 15 April, Kalihiwai Reservoir had reached near capacity.

The Hanalei river near Hanalei stood at 14.76 feet as of 16 April, well above minor flood stage of 7.7 feet.

Social Media

Over 2 feet of rain in Hanalei in the past 24 hours! #hiwx #hiflood #turnarounddontdrown pic.twitter.com/WjLCQbA8zj

— NWSHonolulu (@NWSHonolulu) April 15, 2018

https://twitter.com/miiahfu/status/985662479966519297

https://twitter.com/miiahfu/status/985821086041292800

https://twitter.com/CivilBeat/status/985750401105276928

Kauai #hitraffic update: HDOT crews are working to clear Kuhio Hwy. There are a lot of areas to work on. Continue to monitor conditions. pic.twitter.com/FXKn3r3HlS

— Hawaii DOT (@DOTHawaii) April 15, 2018

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