Alert archive / Hawaii / Flash Flood Warnings in 2021

Flash Flood Warning 2, NWS Honolulu, HI

January 18, 2021Kalawao County, Hawaii

NWS Honolulu, HI issued this flash flood warning at Jan 18, 2021, 2:25 PM HST for Kalawao County, Hawaii. It was in force for 9 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
Jan 18, 2021, 2:25 PM HST (00:25 UTC)
Expired
Jan 18, 2021, 11:15 PM HST
In force
9 hr
Issued by
NWS Honolulu, HI
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

County Kalawao County, HI

The radar

The Molokai radar (PHMO), 15 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 00:25 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.

The nearest sounding before it

Lihue, (PHLI), launched 00:00Z, 0.4 hours before the alert went out and 257 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-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Lihue, at 00:00Z on 2021-01-19Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 13 joules per kilogram.LCLEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Lihue, at 00:00Z on 2021-01-19The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -63 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
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
13 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-1 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
970 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
46 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-63 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
102 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

811 
WGHW50 PHFO 190025
FFWHFO
HIC009-190315-
/O.NEW.PHFO.FF.W.0002.210119T0025Z-210119T0315Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Honolulu HI
225 PM HST Mon Jan 18 2021

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  The island of Molokai in Maui County

* Until 515 PM HST.

* At 225 PM HST, radar indicated intense downpours from near 
  Hoolehua, across the northern portion of Molokai, to near Halawa 
  Valley. Rain was falling at a rate of 2 to 4 inches per hour. This 
  is in an area which already was affected by heavy rainfall last 
  night. Flash flooding is occurring or expected to begin shortly.

  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 warning includes the entire island of Molokai.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

The heavy rains may cause rock and mudslides in steep terrain areas.

&&

This warning may need to be extended beyond 515 PM HST if flooding 
persists.

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

LAT...LON 2119 15728 2124 15728 2125 15726 2121 15701
      2124 15697 2120 15693 2120 15677 2117 15669
      2115 15669 2105 15680 2103 15687 2109 15709
      2106 15725 2110 15734

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

R BALLARD
5 follow-up statements
823 
WGHW70 PHFO 190212
FFSHFO

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Honolulu HI
412 PM HST Mon Jan 18 2021

HIC009-190315-
/O.CON.PHFO.FF.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210119T0315Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Maui HI-
412 PM HST Mon Jan 18 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 515 PM HST THIS 
AFTERNOON FOR THE ISLAND OF MOLOKAI IN MAUI COUNTY...

At 412 PM HST, stream gauges at Kaunakakai Gulch and Kawela Gulch 
were showing very high water levels, indicating flash flooding is 
likely ongoing near these and other drainages. Although radar 
indicates that the heavy rainfall has diminished a bit over east 
Molokai, there were still heavy showers falling over the mountains, 
in areas which are already saturated from recent heavy rains.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by heavy rain.

SOURCE...Stream Gauges.

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.

Some locations that could experience flash flooding include...
  Kualapuu, Kaunakakai, Hoolehua, Kalaupapa National Park, Kawela, 
  Kamalo, Maunaloa, Ualapue, Pukoo, Kepuhi, Halawa Valley and 
  Molokai Airport.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts. 
NEVER drive into areas where water covers the road!

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

The heavy rains may cause rock and mudslides in steep terrain areas.

&&

This warning may need to be extended beyond 515 PM HST if flooding 
persists.

LAT...LON 2119 15728 2124 15728 2125 15726 2121 15701
      2124 15697 2120 15693 2120 15677 2117 15669
      2115 15669 2105 15680 2103 15687 2109 15709
      2106 15725 2110 15734

FLASH FLOOD...GAUGE INDICATED

$$

R BALLARD
720 
WGHW50 PHFO 190312
FFWHFO
HIC009-190615-
/O.EXT.PHFO.FF.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210119T0615Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Honolulu HI
512 PM HST Mon Jan 18 2021

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  The island of Molokai in Maui County in Hawaii...

* Until 815 PM HST.

* At 512 PM HST, stream gauges on Molokai continued to report high 
  stream levels on Molokai. Law enforcement reported Kamehameha V 
  highway was closed at Pukoo and Kamalo. Although the rain has 
  subsided somewhat, light to moderate rain continues to fall over 
  areas saturated by earlier intense rainfall.

  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 warning includes the entire island of Molokai.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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

The heavy rains may cause rock and mudslides in steep terrain areas.

&&

This warning may need to be extended beyond 815 PM HST if flooding 
persists.

LAT...LON 2119 15728 2124 15728 2125 15726 2121 15701
      2124 15697 2120 15693 2120 15677 2117 15669
      2115 15669 2105 15680 2103 15687 2109 15709
      2106 15725 2110 15734

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

R BALLARD
694 
WGHW50 PHFO 190610
FFWHFO
HIC009-190915-
/O.EXT.PHFO.FF.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210119T0915Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Honolulu HI
810 PM HST Mon Jan 18 2021

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  The island of Molokai in Maui County in Hawaii...

* Until 1115 PM HST.

* At 810 PM HST, radar indicated moderate to heavy rain over east 
  Molokai, in areas that have already received a significant amount 
  of rainfall earlier today. Although stream levels have fallen 
  slightly over the past couple hours, rainfall intensity is now 
  increasing over these same areas which received the earlier heavy 
  rains. Rainfall rates of around 1 inch per hour are now occurring, 
  and this will likely lead to additional high water levels on area 
  streams along with flash flooding of low lying and poor drainage 
  areas.

  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.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Kualapuu, Kaunakakai, Hoolehua, Kalaupapa National Park, Kawela, 
  Kamalo, Maunaloa, Ualapue, Pukoo, Kepuhi, Halawa Valley and 
  Molokai Airport.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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

The heavy rains may cause rock and mudslides in steep terrain areas.

&&

This warning may need to be extended beyond 1115 PM HST if flooding 
persists.

LAT...LON 2119 15728 2124 15728 2125 15726 2121 15701
      2124 15697 2120 15693 2120 15677 2117 15669
      2115 15669 2105 15680 2103 15687 2109 15709
      2106 15725 2110 15734

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

JELSEMA
010 
WGHW70 PHFO 190756
FFSHFO

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Honolulu HI
956 PM HST Mon Jan 18 2021

HIC009-190915-
/O.CON.PHFO.FF.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210119T0915Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Maui HI-
956 PM HST Mon Jan 18 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1115 PM HST THIS 
EVENING FOR THE ISLAND OF MOLOKAI IN MAUI COUNTY...

At 956 PM HST, radar indicated moderate to heavy rain continues to 
fall over east Molokai, with rainfall rates of around 1 inch per 
hour. Area streams are once again on the rise due to the additional 
rainfall over already saturated grounds, with the Kawela Gulch now 
reaching levels that have  produced closures of Kamehameha Highway 
in the past, including low water crossings such as the Kamalo Dip 
between mile markers 10 and 11. Moderate to heavy rainfall is 
expected to continue over east Molokai for at least the next hour or 
two, and this will likely continue to produce flooding of low lying 
and poor drainage areas.

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.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
 The entire island of Molokai.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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

The heavy rains may cause rock and landslides in steep terrain areas.

&&

This warning may need to be extended beyond 1115 PM HST if flooding 
persists.

LAT...LON 2119 15728 2124 15728 2125 15726 2121 15701
      2124 15697 2120 15693 2120 15677 2117 15669
      2115 15669 2105 15680 2103 15687 2109 15709
      2106 15725 2110 15734

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

JELSEMA
316 
WGHW70 PHFO 190911
FFSHFO

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Honolulu HI
1111 PM HST Mon Jan 18 2021

HIC009-190921-
/O.EXP.PHFO.FF.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210119T0915Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Maui HI-
1111 PM HST Mon Jan 18 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 1115 PM HST THIS EVENING FOR 
THE ISLAND OF MOLOKAI IN MAUI COUNTY...

The heavy rain has ended and flooding is no longer expected to pose a
threat. Please continue to heed any remaining road closures. Stream 
levels remain elevated and will likely remain elevated for the next 
several hours due to the recent heavy rains. If additional heavy rain
develops later tonight, stream levels will likely rapidly rise due 
to the already saturated grounds, and if this occurs, a Flood 
Advisory or Flash Flood Warning may be required.

A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect until 600 PM HST Tuesday for 
Molokai.

LAT...LON 2119 15728 2124 15728 2125 15726 2121 15701
      2124 15697 2120 15693 2120 15677 2117 15669
      2115 15669 2105 15680 2103 15687 2109 15709
      2106 15725 2110 15734

$$

JELSEMA

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jan 18, 2:59 PM HSTFlash Flood WarningHFOKalawao3 hr
Jan 18, 3:41 PM HSTAreal Flood AdvisoryHFOHawaii3 hr
Jan 18, 5:54 PM HSTAreal Flood AdvisoryHFOKalawao5 hr
Jan 19, 5:38 AM HSTAreal Flood AdvisoryHFOHonolulu3 hr
Jan 19, 10:26 AM HSTSpecial Marine WarningHFO2 hr
Jan 19, 10:55 AM HSTAreal Flood AdvisoryHFOKauai2 hr
Jan 19, 12:01 PM HSTSpecial Marine WarningHFO78 min
Jan 19, 1:18 PM HSTFlash Flood WarningHFOKauai9 hr

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in Hawaii, 2021Every flash flood warning in 2021

Sources

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