Another potential storm raises concerns about more flooding on Hawaii Island
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hurricane Lala’s torrential and deadly rainfall exceeded already-high predictions. And another system — even a weaker one — could still have a big impact on areas that already flooded.
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“We gotta be extra prepared now, while we’re still in recovery. And that’s tough,” said Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda.
Parts of Hawaii Island got more than 40 inches of rainfall between Friday morning and Sunday night from Lala as it passed just to the south.
Extreme downpours caused catastrophic damage in the Ka’u District, which normally has low rainfall amounts.
“As we have another tropical cyclone potentially forming, the next sort of moisture could be more impactful. That’s what we’re worried about,” said John Bravender, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office.
Forecast models keep the next developing storm to the south of Lala’s track. But forecasters say there could be some surprises — like the strong winds in the Kona area.
“About 3:30, 4 o’clock, it went from zero to 60, literally,” said Kailua-Kona resident Nick Pike about strong winds that developed suddenly when Lala’s center passed just to the south of Hawaii Island Saturday.
Those winds sent a tree crashing into the roof of his home. Days later, the work is still ongoing to get the tree removed.
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“Half the tree is still upright, half of the tree is on my roof. So we’re just trying to find the right means and ways to cut down the existing tree, but also get rid of the continuing tree that’s upright, before the next storm comes,” said Pike.
“What the track this tropical cyclone could take coming in from the southeast, even though winds might be uncertain, we’re more confident or more concerned about the rainfall, especially impacting not just windward areas but southeast sections of Hawaii Island,” said Bravender.
Authorities admit that the threat of more heavy rain is worrisome.
“We’re already very hyper sensitive to the weather conditions. We’re very hyper sensitive to the rain, especially floods and landslides and such. And so we are very concerned,” said Alameda.
Forecasters say Lala teach teach some lessons that can be used to guide reactions to what could come next, such as if you had unexpected flooding from Lala.
“Maybe you should think about where you could go before the next one, friends or family that you could stay with on the island. And then make those arrangements now. Make those plans now,” said Bravender.
“Everybody’s working hand in hand,” said Alameda. “So let’s keep that momentum while we prepare for this storm, the next storm. And we just gotta hope for the best.”
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