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County of Hawaiʻi officials urge residents to prepare for another Kona low that could bring heavy rainfall and the potential for flash flooding as early as Thursday night.
While this weather system is not as severe as last week’s storm, the ground remains saturated, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a statewide Flood Watch through Sunday afternoon.
“As we recover from the last Kona low, it is important to remain vigilant and ready for what this other system could bring,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “Now is the time to make sure your property is ready and to check on your friends, neighbors and family members who may need extra help following last week’s storm.”
According to the NWS, the next Kona low is anticipated to produce several rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall with peak impacts for Hawaiʻi Island expected from Friday night through Sunday.
Residents should be aware that, due to ground saturation, areas that flooded last time could flood faster with additional rainfall. To prepare for the flood risk, residents are advised to:
- Check drainage areas around your property.
- If concerned about flooding, request sandbags via the Department of Public Works at dpwhwy@hawaiicounty.gov or 808-961-8321.
- Never try to cross moving water, on foot or in a vehicle: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
- Have a “go bag” ready in case you must evacuate the area, especially if your home is in an area prone to flooding. It should include food, water, necessary medication, important documents, and other necessities for the members of your household (including pets) if you need to leave in a hurry.
- Check in with neighbors, especially those who may have mobility problems, to make sure they have a safe way to evacuate if flooding strikes.
Storm Recovery
Residents in need of assistance following the last Kona low are encouraged to submit a request for assistance. Vibrant Hawaiʻi, in partnership with the County of Hawaiʻi, has established a request-for-assistance form at bit.ly/vh-rfa.
Residents and businesses are also encouraged to submit damage reports, which assist the County with identifying priorities and focusing resources if state or federal disaster assistance becomes available.
Damage reports can be submitted at the following link – Bit.ly/CDDisasterRecovery – or by calling Civil Defense at (808) 935-0031.
If you have not been able to contact a family member, friend or neighbor following the last storm, you can request a welfare check by contacting Civil Defense at (808) 935-0031 or civildefense@hawaiicounty.gov.
Drone Survey
To assist recovery efforts and identify storm damage, residents are advised that drone surveys may occur in the areas of Nanawale and Leilani Estates over approximately the next 24 hours.
The surveys are for the sole purpose of disaster recovery and are conducted through a partnership between the County and the University of Hawaiʻi. Drone flights will be weather dependent, limited to daylight hours, and will occur in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations.
For questions on the drone survey, contact Civil Defense at 808-935-0031. |
