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Hawaii could get ‘feet’ of rain from new storm system
San Francisco Chronicle • • nation
Key Points:
- A potential tropical storm near Hawaii could bring rainfall ranging from a few inches to over 3 feet this week, with the Big Island and Maui being most at risk, starting as early as Wednesday.
- The National Weather Service (NWS) estimates a 90% chance of the storm developing but is uncertain about its exact path, which could remain south of the islands or several hundred miles away.
- Heavy rainfall is expected due to record moisture levels in the air, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides, especially if the storm moves close to the islands and moves slowly across the Pacific.
- Strong winds are possible, with gusts potentially exceeding 70 mph on the Big Island summits, but rain remains the primary concern at this stage.
- Ocean temperatures near Hawaii are at record highs, fueled by global warming and El Niño, contributing to more intense storms; recent tropical activity has been unusually high, raising concerns about compounded flood impacts.
