Torrential rain on Big Island brings severe flooding
Mayor
Kim said Thursday he was less worried about wind damage and more concerned about flooding after more than 20 inches of rain fell on some windward communities. Lane was moving at only 6 mph, and "it's almost like stationary," he said.
"I told our group this morning, this is the best scenario for west side and
RELATED COVERAGE:
>> Star-Advertiser Hurricane Tracker
>> Some shopping malls closing early due to
>> Flood risk rises in
>> Major thoroughfares on
>> HECO expects Lane will prompt power outages
>> Airlines issue travel waivers for passengers
>> Last-minute shopping a challenge
>> Mayor says slow-moving storm could cause major problems
>> How to pack a disaster preparedness kit
VIDEO:
>> Pi'ihonua Bridge in Kaumana hit with flooding from
>> Weather Channel hurricane expert has a message for residents of
>>
PHOTOS:
>>
>>
The east side of the island from Hamakua to Volcano remained under a flash flood warning Thursday night as pounding rain generated runoff that roared down drainage channels and streambeds, and completely overwhelmed some drainage systems. Civil defense officials warned the public to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
County officials opened a shelter at
Among the hard-hit areas was the upscale Reed's Island neighborhood in
Kusch described the incident as "an assist, because their road has become a stream." The family was staying at a home on
Waiakea Uka resident
"The house is pretty bad right now," Matson said in an interview. "My husband is there currently. We're trying to mop out and soak out some of the water, and trying to find some sandbags or something to block more water from coming in. ... We're just trying everything we can to help."
Matson said she was told the problem was caused by a clogged drainage system up the road, and she was unable to find sandbags anywhere in
Kim told his staff at Hawaii County Civil Defense that "things like Reed's Island may happen again because of a simple plug or whatever."
A
Torrential rain in
The
A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall severed
Other early morning road closures caused by flooding included
"I don't know what nature has in mind," said Kim. "All I know is this is a huge system and it's stalled right there."
___
(c)2018 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Visit The Honolulu Star-Advertiser at www.staradvertiser.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Flight disruptions leave Maui visitors unsettled
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News