Flash Flooding and Blizzard in Hawaii, December 4 to 7, 2007

Name: Flash Flooding and Blizzard in Hawaii, December 4 to 7, 2007
Start: 2007-12-04T13:12
End: 2007-12-07T15:15
Location: Hawaii

December 4 to 7, 2007 · NWS HFO · 33 events in 28 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 18 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 2
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 33

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS HFO wrote it up.

A powerful winter storm brought heavy rains, thunderstorms, high winds, and blizzard conditions to Hawaii in the early part of December. A strong low pressure system northwest of Kauai, along with a cold front moving through the islands, caused significant damage across the state. One fatality can be attributed to the storm, and two known injuries. Trees were toppled, along with power poles and lines. Flash flooding damaged homes, and the inclement weather snarled traffic. The state estimates total damages to be about $5 million.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Honolulu, HI wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Dec 4, 10:30 AM HST, 2 hours 42 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 4, 10:30 AM HST, 2 hours 42 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HONOLULU HI
1030 AM HST TUE DEC 4 2007

.SYNOPSIS...OCCASIONAL HEAVY WEATHER IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN WITH US
 THE REST OF THE WEEK. GRADUALLY IMPROVING THIS WEEKEND WITH TRADE
 WINDS RETURNING MONDAY.

&&

.DISCUSSION...THE GALE FORCE LOW WEVE BEEN TRACKING IS NOW 450 MILES
 NORTHWEST OF KAUAI AND PROJECTED TO MOVE FAR NORTH OF KAUAI AND
 COME TO A SCREECHING HALT TONIGHT. ITS FRONT WITH BUILDING
 THUNDERSTORMS IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE KAUAI THIS EVENING AND MOVE TO
 MAUI TOMORROW. THIS WILL SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE WINDS AND HEAVY
 RAINFALL. THE LOW IS EXPECTED TO BE IN OUR VICINITY THE REST OF
 THE WEEK BEFORE WEAKENING AND BEGINNING ITS JOURNEY AWAY FROM THE
 STATE SATURDAY. TRADE WINDS AND IMPROVING WEATHER ARE PROJECTED
 TO RETURN MONDAY.

&&

.MARINE...THE INCOMING SUBSIDING LARGE NORTHWEST SWELLS WILL BE
 REINFORCED BY A MORE NORTHERLY TRAIN LATE WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.

&&

.HFO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
 HIGH WIND WARNING...KAUAI TO MAUI TIL 6 AM WEDNESDAY
 FLASH FLOOD WATCH...ALL ISLANDS TIL  6 PM THURSDAY
 HIGH SURF ADVISORY...MOST NORTHWEST SHORES TIL 8 AM WEDNESDAY
 SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY...LARGE SEAS ALL WATERS TIL 6 AM WEDNESDAY.

&&

MATSUDA

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

26 high wind, 5 flash flood, 1 strong wind, 1 blizzard. Local standard time, as filed.

High Wind, Big Island North and East

When: December 4, 1:12 PM HST to December 5, 12:00 AM HST
Where: Big Island North and East forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager

High winds blew down several large trees in the Puna District on the Big Island of Hawaii.

High Wind, Big Island Interior

When: December 4, 1:50 PM HST to December 5, 12:00 AM HST
Where: Big Island Interior forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 19.602, -155.523 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High winds blew down several large trees.

High Wind, Kauai Mountains

When: December 4, 2:00 PM HST to December 5, 6:00 AM HST
Where: Kauai Mountains forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 22.011, -159.705 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wind gusts estimated at 50 knots downed several large trees in Kokee State Park. The trees fell on transmission lines causing power outages.

High Wind, Kauai Leeward

When: December 4, 2:00 PM HST to December 5, 6:00 AM HST
Where: Kauai Leeward forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 22.011, -159.705 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wind gusts estimated at 50 knots downed several large trees along Kokee Road leading up to Kokee State Park. The trees fell on transmission lines causing power outages.

High Wind, Haleakala Summit

When: December 4, 2:05 PM HST to December 7, 3:15 PM HST
Where: Haleakala Summit forecast zone
Measured: 72 kt (83 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 21.027, -156.788 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wind gusts in excess of 50 knots were recorded at the Mees Observatory weather site atop Haleakala starting at 14:05 HST Tuesday. The maximum wind gust of 72 knots was observed a short time later before the gage became inoperable. A Haleakala National Park Ranger recorded an wind gust of 75 knots with a hand held weather sensor. Due to the nature of the observation, it is included here for information only and was not considered in determining the maximum wind gust.

High Wind, Molokai Windward

When: December 4, 3:14 PM HST to December 5, 1:00 PM HST
Where: Molokai Windward forecast zone
Measured: 63 kt (72 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet

Wind gusts in excess of 50 knots were recorded at the Makapulapai RAWS site starting at 15:14 HST Tuesday. The maximum wind gust of 63 knots was observed at 8:14 HST Wednesday.

High Wind, Oahu North Shore

When: December 4, 3:46 PM HST to December 5, 8:00 AM HST
Where: Oahu North Shore forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 21.455, -157.961 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wind gusts estimated at 50 knots downed a large tree in Waialua, blocking both lanes of Kaukonahua Road.

High Wind, Kona

When: December 4, 3:50 PM HST to December 5, 12:00 AM HST
Where: Kona forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 19.602, -155.523 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several large trees were blown over along the Kona coast due to wind gusts. Some trees fell across transmission lines causing power outages.

Strong Wind, Oahu North Shore

When: December 4, 6:00 PM HST to 6:15 PM HST
Where: Oahu North Shore forecast zone
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 21.455, -157.961 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A soldier was injured at Dillingham Airfield when winds picked up a large tent and pole, weighing about 50 pounds, and then hit the individual.

High Wind, Oahu Koolau

When: December 4, 8:20 PM HST to December 5, 8:00 AM HST
Where: Oahu Koolau forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Wind gusts estimated at 50 knots produced significant damage to the roof of a house on Luluku Street in Pacific Heights.

High Wind, Kohala

When: December 4, 8:30 PM HST to December 5, 12:00 AM HST
Where: Kohala forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 19.602, -155.523 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High winds blew down several large trees in the South Kohala District of the Big Island forcing the closure of Akoni Pule Highway.

High Wind, Wainae Mountains

When: December 4, 10:15 PM HST to December 5, 4:01 PM HST
Where: Wainae Mountains forecast zone
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 21.455, -157.961 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wind gusts in excess of 50 knots were recorded at the Schofield Firebreak RAWS site starting at 22:15 HST Tuesday. The maximum wind gust of 61 knots was observed at 23:49 HST Tuesday.

High Wind, Central Oahu

When: December 4, 10:57 PM HST to December 5, 4:01 PM HST
Where: Central Oahu forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 21.455, -157.961 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wind gusts in excess of 50 knots were recorded at the Schofield Barracks RAWS site starting at 22:57 HST Wednesday. The maximum wind gust of 55 knots was observed at 4:57 HST Thursday.

High Wind, Windward Haleakala

When: December 4, 11:35 PM HST to December 5, 9:27 PM HST
Where: Windward Haleakala forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet

Wind gusts in excess of 50 knots were recorded at the Kaupo Gap RAWS site starting at 23:35 HST Tuesday. The maximum wind gust of 58 knots was observed at 11:35 HST Wednesday.

High Wind, Maui Central Valley

When: December 5, 12:00 AM HST to 3:45 AM HST
Where: Maui Central Valley forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several utility poles and transmission lines were blown down by wind gusts.

High Wind, Kauai Windward

When: December 5, 12:12 AM HST to 6:00 AM HST
Where: Kauai Windward forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet

A 51 knot wind gust was recorded at the Moloaa Dairy RAWS site.

High Wind, Olomana

When: December 5, 12:26 AM HST to 4:01 PM HST
Where: Olomana forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 21.455, -157.961 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A wind gust of 50 knots was recorded at the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii ASOS site.

Flash Flood, Kauai

When: December 5, 1:25 AM HST to 3:27 AM HST
Where: Kauai County, 0.65 mi SSE of Princeville to 0.71 mi SSE of Princeville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 22.211, -159.476

Hanalei Bridge closed due to flooding.

High Wind, Kahoolawe

When: December 5, 1:52 AM HST to 9:27 PM HST
Where: Kahoolawe forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 21.027, -156.788 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A 52 knot wind gust was recorded at the Hakioawa RAWS site.

High Wind, Central Oahu

When: December 5, 3:30 AM HST to 4:01 PM HST
Where: Central Oahu forecast zone
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 21.455, -157.961 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wind gusts in excess of 50 knots were recorded at the Wheeler ARC site starting at 3:30 HST Wednesday. The maximum wind gust of 59 knots was observed at 4:02 HST Wednesday.

High Wind, Central Oahu

When: December 5, 3:30 AM HST to 8:00 AM HST
Where: Central Oahu forecast zone
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 21.455, -157.961 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wind gusts in excess of 50 knots were recorded at the Wheeler ARC site starting at 3:30 HST Wednesday. The maximum wind gust of 59 knots was observed at 4:02 HST Wednesday.

High Wind, Oahu South Shore

When: December 5, 4:00 AM HST to 8:00 AM HST
Where: Oahu South Shore forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Wind gusts estimated at 50 knots downed a large tree and utility poles along Kalakaua Avenue near the Palama Market.

High Wind, Lanai Makai

When: December 5, 4:37 AM HST to 4:01 PM HST
Where: Lanai Makai forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet

A 50 knot wind gust was recorded at the Lanai 1 RAWS site.

High Wind, Waianae Coast

When: December 5, 4:49 AM HST to 4:01 PM HST
Where: Waianae Coast forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 21.455, -157.961 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A wind gust of 51 knots was recorded at the Waianae Boat Harbor ARC site.

High Wind, Molokai Leeward

When: December 5, 6:00 AM HST to 7:00 AM HST
Where: Molokai Leeward forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A roof was blown off a home in Kaunakakai by wind gusts.

High Wind, Maui Leeward West

When: December 5, 6:00 AM HST to 9:45 AM HST
Where: Maui Leeward West forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 21.027, -156.788 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A roof was blown off a home at 3966 Mahinahina Street in Lahaina.

High Wind, Lanai Mauka

When: December 5, 7:00 AM HST to 10:45 AM HST
Where: Lanai Mauka forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 21.027, -156.788 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High winds downed a large tree in Lanai City.

High Wind, Leeward Haleakala

When: December 5, 9:40 AM HST to 1:25 PM HST
Where: Leeward Haleakala forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager

High winds caused 8 utility poles to fall in Kihei.

Flash Flood, Maui

When: December 5, 1:15 PM HST to 5:39 PM HST
Where: Maui County, 0.84 mi NW of Kihei to 0.73 mi NW of Kihei
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 20.759, -156.458

Heavy rain caused flash flooding along South Kihei Road near Hoonani in Kihei on the island of Maui.

Flash Flood, Maui

When: December 5, 1:25 PM HST to 5:39 PM HST
Where: Maui County, 1.05 mi SE of Keokea to 1.39 mi ESE of Keokea
Cause: Heavy Rain
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 20.711, -156.357

A home was washed off its foundation in Keokea in Upcountry Maui by flood waters, and two persons were then rescued by helicopter. Another individual was injured in this event.

Flash Flood, Hawaii

When: December 5, 5:15 PM HST to 11:30 PM HST
Where: Hawaii County, 1.01 mi WNW of Kailua Kona to 0.97 mi WNW of Kailua Kona
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 19.638, -155.993

Heavy rain produced flash flooding conditions that closed Alii Drive near Hualalai in Kailua Kona.

Flash Flood, Hawaii

When: December 5, 6:04 PM HST to 11:30 PM HST
Where: Hawaii County, 2.37 mi NE of Naalehu to 2.59 mi NE of Naalehu
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 19.097, -155.548

Highway 11, or the Hawaii Belt Road, was closed for a time near Kawa Flats in the Kau District on the Big Island of Hawaii. Heavy rain produced flash flooding conditions in the area.

Blizzard, Big Island Summit

When: December 6, 5:55 AM HST to December 7, 3:03 PM HST
Where: Big Island Summit forecast zone
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 19.602, -155.523 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds and wind gusts, frequently over 35 mph, caused blowing snow and poor visibilities on the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Sustained winds reached 76 mph on Mauna Kea around 1400HST on December 5th. A hiker, on the afternoon of the 5th, left his car at the Hale Pohaku parking lot on Mauna Kea and apparently ventured off. Firefighters and police special response team members searched for the man, but he was never found. The man was presumed dead. A road crew reported high winds, blowing snow, and near zero visibility on the morning of the 6th.

What these are

High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
Strong Wind: Non-thunderstorm winds below high wind criteria that nonetheless caused damage or casualties.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Blizzard: Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or more with falling or blowing snow that cuts visibility below a quarter mile for three hours or longer.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Hawaii in 2007 Every state in 2007 This day in weather history Warnings in Hawaii, December 2007

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 68975, 68981, 68638, 68639, 67505, 67476, 68642, 68974, 67627, 68643, 68977, 67465, 67463, 67492, 68970, 67460, 67474, 67601, 67509, 67469, 68637, 68640, 67478, 67475, 67660, 67661, 68965, 68973, 67603, 67619, 67625, 67626, 67628.