Hawaii Emergency Management Agency

For Immediate Release
Dec. 6, 2021

It’s Not Over Yet: Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Offers Guidance 
as “Kona Low” Storm Moves Westward

HONOLULU – A powerful “Kona low” weather system continues to affect Hawaiʻi Monday, with torrential rain, damaging winds, and high tides expected over the next several days.

Portions of the island of Maui saw as much as 12 inches of rain overnight, while Oʻahu and Kauaʻi could see similar downpours and high winds in the days ahead.

The brunt of the storm’s effect struck Hawaiʻi island, Maui and Molokaʻi on Sunday and overnight, washing out roads, knocking out power, and flooding stream beds, drainage channels and low-lying areas. High tides and high surf also contributed to flooding near ports and river mouths.

As of 2 p.m. Monday no deaths or injuries had been attributed to the weather.

The low-pressure system driving the rains continued to rotate and shifted westward Monday, drawing tropical moisture in bands over the state. Effects on the eastern islands are expected to subside gradually, but heavy rain and wind was expected to build over Honolulu and Oʻahu Monday and gradually move over Kauaʻi by Monday night or Tuesday.

Shelters have been opened on multiple islands to assist people whose homes were damaged, were stranded by road washouts, or otherwise need assistance.

For areas already damaged by the storm’s effects:

• If you are in danger from flood waters, call 9-1-1 and retreat to higher ground if it is safe to do so. Do not drive through water; the force of even a small amount of water can damage or sweep away most vehicles.
• Check on your neighbors.
• Document any damage to your property. If financial assistance with storm damage becomes available, you will need photos or other proof of the extent of the damage.
• If you are a resident of Maui County, you can report damages at this link.
• If you are a resident of Hawaiʻi County, you can report damages at 808-935-0031 or www.hawaiicounty.gov/civil-defense.

The storm was already bringing heavy rain to parts of the City and County of Honolulu on Monday, with Kauaʻi next in line. HI-EMA urges residents and visitors to prepare now for the possibility of flooding, loss of power and other storm effects.

• Think about the culverts, stream beds, creeks, drainages and low-lying areas near you; if they flood, would you be safe? Plan a safe escape route in case you need to leave quickly.
• Check on neighbors to see if they’re prepared, especially if they have mobility issues and might need help to leave if flooding strikes.
• Find your flashlights and extra batteries and charge your phones in case of a power outage.

Preparation in advance can help residents and visitors weather the storm.

Scan the QR code below or visit ready.hawaii.gov for more preparedness tips.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Adam Weintraub
Communication Director
[email protected]
808-620-5417