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Meteorologists have issued warnings and forecast maps as a Kona low weather system takes aim the Hawaiian Islands.
The state faces a dangerous storm stretch this week as the system drags tropical moisture over the islands, raising the threat for a foot of rainfall in the hardest‑hit areas, an NWS meteorologist told Newsweek previously.
Governor Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation on Monday ahead of the system.
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"A Kona low weather system is expected to produce prolonged heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding statewide, with the highest likelihood of flooding impacts across the smaller islands and urban areas," a news release from Green’s office said. "Strong to severe thunderstorms and gusty southerly winds are also possible beginning midweek, with the potential for more damaging conditions later in the week."
"The storm is expected to affect Kauaʻi and Oʻahu first, with conditions expanding across the rest of the state through the weekend," it added.
The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Honolulu published a forecast map depicting total rainfall amounts and timing across the islands.
The system "will bring widespread heavy rain, scattered thunderstorms and potentially damaging S winds beginning late in the day Thursday (Kauai), Thursday night (Oahu) all islands by Friday and continuing through Saturday," it said.
The NWS has issued flood watches across the Big Island, Niihau and Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe through Saturday afternoon, warning that flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
"Significant flooding may occur due to the overflow of streams and drainages. Roads in several areas may be closed, along with property damage in urban or low lying spots due to runoff. Landslides may also occur in areas with steep terrain," the alerts said.
A winter weather advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. HST Thursday for the Big Island Summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa above 12,000 feet, with snow flurries and freezing fog expected.
From Thursday evening through Saturday afternoon, a winter storm watch is in effect for the same area, with the NWS warning of potential blizzard conditions and up to 18 inches of snow.
As explained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a Kona low is a type of seasonal subtropical cyclone which usually forms in the winter months that disrupts Hawaii’s usual easterly trade winds, bringing cooler, moisture-rich winds from the south to southwest.
They can deliver torrential rain and even heavy snow on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa—the highest volcanic peaks of the Big Island, according to the agency.
"Kona Lows themselves typically occur two to three times per season, but the mountain peaks see snow more often," AccuWeather meteorologist Lydia Burroughs told Newsweek previously.
A live map from Windy.com shows current conditions over the islands.
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