Alert archive / Hawaii / Flash Flood Warnings in 2019

Flash Flood Warning 21, NWS Honolulu, HI

December 25, 2019Kauai County, Hawaii

NWS Honolulu, HI issued this flash flood warning at Dec 25, 2019, 4:07 AM HST for Kauai County, Hawaii. It was in force for 9 hr. 3 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued: Dec 25, 2019, 4:07 AM HST (14:07 UTC)
Expired: Dec 25, 2019, 12:50 PM HST
In force: 9 hr
Issued by: NWS Honolulu, HI
Area: Storm-based polygon
Flood severity: None

County Kauai County, HI

The radar

The South Kauai radar (PHKI), 24 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 14:06 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

Time	Report	Where	Remark
Dec 25, 4:45 AM HST	FLOOD	S Princeville, HI	KUHIO HIGHWAY IN THE VICINITY OF THE HANALEI BRIDGE CLOSED AS OF 0445AM.
Dec 25, 5:30 AM HST	FLOOD	Kilauea, HI	KUHIO HIGHWAY NEAR MILE MARKER 22 IN KILAUEA REMAINS CLOSED. LINES CLEARED, WILL BEGIN ALTERNATING TRAFFIC SOON.
Dec 25, 9:00 AM HST	FLOOD	Waimea, HI	WAIMEA THEATER HAS BEEN DAMAGED BY FLOODING.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Lihue, (PHLI), launched 12:00Z, 2.1 hours before the alert went out and 20 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-p

Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.

Hodograph

The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.

Mixed-layer CAPE: 167 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: -11 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL: 574 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 53 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 149 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 367 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.1
Supercell composite: 1.4

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

481 
WGHW50 PHFO 251407
FFWHFO
HIC007-251700-
/O.NEW.PHFO.FF.W.0021.191225T1407Z-191225T1700Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Honolulu HI
407 AM HST Wed Dec 25 2019

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  The island of Kauai in Kauai County

* Until 700 AM HST.

* At 400 AM HST, radar showed pockets of heavy rain moving from 
  southwest to northeast across Kauai with additional showers 
  approaching. Areas with the heaviest rain include the interior and 
  south and southwest facing slopes of the island with peak rainfall 
  rates up to 2 to 3 inches per hour. Stream gages have responded 
  and continue to rise, especially at the Hanalei and Wainiha 
  rivers. Avoid travel in these areas through the early morning 
  hours if possible.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by heavy rain.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, 
           properties, and other low-lying areas. Public road 
           closures possible in some areas. Landslides are possible 
           in steep terrain.

* This includes the entire island of Kauai.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring
within the warned area.

Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even
if they are currently dry.

Do not cross fast flowing water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn
around, don't drown.

&&

This warning may need to be extended beyond 700 AM HST if heavy rain
persists.

This Flash Flood Warning replaces the previously issued Flood
Advisory that was in effect for the island of Kauai in Kauai County.

LAT...LON 2221 15934 2215 15930 2205 15934 2197 15933
      2188 15943 2191 15960 2189 15961 2202 15979
      2206 15979 2216 15971 2223 15956 2221 15950
      2223 15949 2222 15943 2224 15940

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

Gibbs

6 follow-up statements

690 
WGHW70 PHFO 251537
FFSHFO

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Honolulu HI
537 AM HST Wed Dec 25 2019

HIC007-251700-
/O.CON.PHFO.FF.W.0021.000000T0000Z-191225T1700Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Kauai in Kauai HI-
537 AM HST Wed Dec 25 2019

...THE FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 700 AM HST FOR
KAUAI IN KAUAI COUNTY...

At 525 AM HST, Kauai Emergency Management reported that Kuhio 
Highway is closed and impassable at the Hanalei River Bridge due to 
flooding. Stream levels continue rise as heavy showers move through 
from south to north across the island. Rainfall rates up to 2 to 3 
inches are occurring in the heavier showers. Avoid travel in this 
area if possible.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by heavy rain.

SOURCE...Emergency management.

IMPACT...Flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, 
         and other low-lying areas. Public road closures possible in 
         some areas. Landslides are possible in steep terrain.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring
within the warned area.

Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even
if they are currently dry.

Do not cross fast flowing water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn
around, don't drown.

&&

LAT...LON 2221 15934 2215 15930 2205 15934 2197 15933
      2188 15943 2191 15960 2189 15961 2202 15979
      2206 15979 2216 15971 2223 15956 2221 15950
      2223 15949 2222 15943 2224 15940

FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED

$$

Gibbs

702 
WGHW50 PHFO 251655
FFWHFO
HIC007-252000-
/O.EXT.PHFO.FF.W.0021.000000T0000Z-191225T2000Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Honolulu HI
655 AM HST Wed Dec 25 2019

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  The island of Kauai in Kauai County

* Until 1000 AM HST.

* At 645 AM HST, Kauai Emergency Management reported that Kuhio 
  Highway is closed and impassable at the Hanalei River Bridge due 
  to flooding. The South Fork Wailua River is above flood stage and 
  continues to rise. Heavy rain is beginning to taper off but rivers 
  and streams remain elevated. Avoid travel in these areas through 
  the morning hours if possible.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by heavy rain.

  SOURCE...Emergency management.

  IMPACT...Flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, 
           properties, and other low-lying areas. Public road 
           closures possible in some areas. Landslides are possible 
           in steep terrain.

*  This includes the entire island of Kauai.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring
within the warned area.

Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even
if they are currently dry.

Do not cross fast flowing water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn
around, don't drown.

&&

This warning may need to be extended beyond 1000 AM HST if heavy rain
persists.

LAT...LON 2221 15934 2215 15930 2205 15934 2197 15933
      2188 15943 2191 15960 2189 15961 2202 15979
      2206 15979 2216 15971 2223 15956 2221 15950
      2223 15949 2222 15943 2224 15940

FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED

$$

Burke

408 
WGHW70 PHFO 251909
FFSHFO

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Honolulu HI
909 AM HST Wed Dec 25 2019

HIC007-252000-
/O.CON.PHFO.FF.W.0021.000000T0000Z-191225T2000Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Kauai in Kauai HI-
909 AM HST Wed Dec 25 2019

...THE FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1000 AM HST FOR
KAUAI IN KAUAI COUNTY...

At 905 AM HST, the river gage at the Hanalei River Bridge remains 
above flood state. Kauai Emergency Management reported that Kuhio 
Highway remains closed and impassable at the Hanalei River Bridge 
due to flooding. Other stream gage readings across Kauai indicate 
that water levels are slowly dropping. 

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by heavy rain.

SOURCE...River gage.

IMPACT...Flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, 
         and other low-lying areas. Public road closures possible in 
         some areas. Landslides are possible in steep terrain.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring
within the warned area.

Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even
if they are currently dry.

Do not cross fast flowing water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn
around, don't drown.

&&

LAT...LON 2221 15934 2215 15930 2205 15934 2197 15933
      2188 15943 2191 15960 2189 15961 2202 15979
      2206 15979 2216 15971 2223 15956 2221 15950
      2223 15949 2222 15943 2224 15940

FLASH FLOOD...RIVER GAGE INDICATED

$$

Burke

833 
WGHW50 PHFO 251930
FFWHFO
HIC007-252300-
/O.EXT.PHFO.FF.W.0021.000000T0000Z-191225T2300Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Honolulu HI
930 AM HST Wed Dec 25 2019

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  The island of Kauai in Kauai County

* Until 100 PM HST.

* At 930 AM HST, Kauai Emergency Management reported that Kuhio 
  Highway remains closed and impassable at the Hanalei River Bridge 
  due to flooding. Reports of other road closures have also been 
  received. If possible, avoid travel this morning to allow 
  emergency responders access to flooded areas.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by heavy rain.

  SOURCE...Emergency management.

  IMPACT...Flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, 
           properties, and other low-lying areas. Public road 
           closures possible in some areas. Landslides are possible 
           in steep terrain.

* This includes the entire island of Kauai.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring
within the warned area.

Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even
if they are currently dry.

Do not cross fast flowing water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn
around, don't drown.

&&

This warning may need to be extended beyond 100 PM HST if heavy rain
persists.

LAT...LON 2221 15934 2215 15930 2205 15934 2197 15933
      2188 15943 2191 15960 2189 15961 2202 15979
      2206 15979 2216 15971 2223 15956 2221 15950
      2223 15949 2222 15943 2224 15940

FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED

$$

Burke

754 
WGHW70 PHFO 252156
FFSHFO

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Honolulu HI
1156 AM HST Wed Dec 25 2019

HIC007-252300-
/O.CON.PHFO.FF.W.0021.000000T0000Z-191225T2300Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
KAUAI IN KAUAI HI-
1156 AM HST Wed Dec 25 2019

...A FLASH FLOOD WARNING  REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 100 PM HST FOR
KAUAI IN KAUAI COUNTY...

At 1152 AM HST Kauai Emergency Management reported that Kuhio 
Highway remains closed and impassable at the Hanalei River Bridge 
due to flooding. Reports of other road closures have also been 
received. Rainfall has tapered off but some streams remain elevated 
from recent rains. If possible, avoid travel to allow emergency 
responders access to flooded areas.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by heavy rain.

SOURCE...Emergency management.

IMPACT...Flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, 
         and other low-lying areas. Public road closures possible in 
         some areas. Landslides are possible in steep terrain.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring
within the warned area.

Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even
if they are currently dry.

Do not cross fast flowing water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn
around, don't drown.

&&

LAT...LON 2221 15934 2215 15930 2205 15934 2197 15933
      2188 15943 2191 15960 2189 15961 2202 15979
      2206 15979 2216 15971 2223 15956 2221 15950
      2223 15949 2222 15943 2224 15940

FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED

$$

Burke

521 
WGHW70 PHFO 252250
FFSHFO

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Honolulu HI
1250 PM HST Wed Dec 25 2019

HIC007-252251-
/O.CAN.PHFO.FF.W.0021.000000T0000Z-191225T2300Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Kauai in Kauai HI-
1250 PM HST Wed Dec 25 2019

...THE FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR KAUAI IN KAUAI COUNTY IS CANCELLED...

The heavy rain has ended. However, Kauai Emergency Management 
reports that Kuhio Highway remains closed and impassable at the 
Hanalei River Bridge due to flooding. Streams remain elevated with 
partial road closures in places. If possible, limit travel to allow 
emergency responders access to flooded areas and to allow waters to 
recede.

LAT...LON 2221 15934 2215 15930 2205 15934 2197 15933
      2188 15943 2191 15960 2189 15961 2202 15979
      2206 15979 2216 15971 2223 15956 2221 15950
      2223 15949 2222 15943 2224 15940

$$

Burke

The office that day

Everything else NWS Honolulu, HI issued on the same UTC day.

Issued	Product	Office	Counties	Lasted
Dec 24, 5:52 PM HST	Areal Flood Advisory	HFO	Kauai	3 hr
Dec 24, 8:47 PM HST	Flash Flood Warning	HFO	Kauai	3 hr
Dec 24, 9:03 PM HST	High Surf Advisory	HFO	Kauai	30 hr
Dec 25, 3:31 AM HST	Areal Flood Advisory	HFO	Kauai	3 hr
Dec 25, 4:23 AM HST	Special Marine Warning	HFO		62 min
Dec 25, 6:37 AM HST	Special Marine Warning	HFO		53 min
Dec 25, 7:25 AM HST	Special Marine Warning	HFO		2 hr
Dec 25, 9:31 AM HST	Special Marine Warning	HFO		102 min
Dec 25, 12:07 PM HST	Areal Flood Advisory	HFO	Honolulu	5 hr
Dec 25, 1:26 PM HST	High Wind Warning	HFO	Hawaii	14 hr

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in Hawaii, 2019 Every flash flood warning in 2019

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.