High Wind in Hawaii, March 4, 1996

A surface low pressure center formed near Johnston Island on the morning of March 2nd. Strong southerly flow to the east of the low center pulled large amounts of moisture northward from the intertropical convergence zone. The deep tropical moisture interacted with an old frontal boundary extending westward from near South Point. Rain amounts were uniform for most of the islands, ranging from 2 to 5 inches in the 48 hour period from 8 am on the 2nd through 8 am on the 4th. The exception was the Big Island where strong low level southeast flow focused on the east side of the island and helicity values were high. 8 to 10 inch rains fell over parts of Kau, Puna, Hilo, and Hamakua during the same 48 hour period, and rainfall rates of 3 inches per hour between 2 am and 4 am on the 3rd caused flash flooding. The flooding caused spot evacuations from Hamakua to Puna. Water 6 feet deep closed Highway 11 near Pahala, and the Kau District was divided by water runoff at Kawa Flats, blocking traffic between Pahala and Naalehu. Landslides closed the belt highway for nearly 5 hours at Laupahoehoe and Maulua gulches on the 3rd. Rainfall amounts for the 24 hours ending at 8 pm, on the 3rd included: Pahala, 9.65 inches; Pahoa, 9 inches; Laupahoehoe, 8.29 inches; and Hilo 6.70 inches. As the low center deepened and moved northeast, strong southerly winds developed over the islands. The Molokai WSR-88D indicated 40 to 50 knot winds at low levels during the morning of March 3rd.Significant wind damage occurred on the Big Island with winds of 40 to 70 mph in many downslope and terrain funneled locations. Damage to papaya crops and orchids, and agricultural facilities was extensive on the Big Island. Three dozen homes had wind damage on the Big Island, some with roofs blown off and others damaged by downed trees. People were evacuated from the Volcano House where 60 mph winds blew off part of the hotel roof. One guest cut his right arm when hit by a piece of flying debris from the hotel roof.On Maui, power was cut to over 40% of the island when power poles were downed by 50 to 60 mph winds. 6 large power poles were downed along the Hana Highway blocking traffic from Upcountry and East Maui areas headed to the west. All TV and radio transmitters atop Haleakala suffered wind damage by 60 to 80 mph winds, cutting service for parts of the 3rd and 4th. Three boats ere pulled from moorings. A 20 foot sailboat sank in Ma'alaea Bay, while 2 other vessels were grounded. All public schools were closed on the 4th. The roof of one home was damaged in Waihee. Wind reports also include: 58 mph gusts at Pukalani (1200 ft) at 1:06 pm on the 3rd, and 53 mph at WSO Kahului at 3:30 am on the 4th.On Oahu, scattered wind damage occurred. Kaneohe reported wind gusts to 61 mph and a roof was blown from a home. In Kailua, a roof was blown off a carport, and in Ewa Beach a roof was blown off a home. In Waimanalo, sudden wind gusts damaged three buildings on Huli Street behind Kaaiai Street shortly after 1 am on the 3rd, including a garage roof, a patio roof, and a home roof. Fallen poles and trees were reported in scattered areas. Saturated ground caused three utility poles to lean over Kunia Road, makai of Waipahu Street, about 1:40 pm on the 3rd. 5,000 homes were without power for several hours. Kunia road was closed between the Hawaii Country Club and Anonui Road when 13 utility poles were blown down causing 14,000 homes to lose power.In Honolulu, a large Kiawi tree fell and blocked Punahou Street between Wilder Avenue and H-1 during the early morning hours of the 4th. Windows were broken by wind gusts at a small office at Ala Moana Shopping Center, and also at a home on Kapiolani Boulevard.