Hawaiʻi Braces for Powerful Kona Low Storm

Officials warn of flooding, high winds, and school/office closures across the islands

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:34am

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Officials across Hawaiʻi have issued emergency proclamations and announced widespread closures as a powerful Kona low storm system bears down on the islands. The National Weather Service forecasts hazardous weather including flash flooding, damaging high winds, and thunderstorms through the weekend. Public schools, state agencies, and various county facilities have been shuttered in preparation.

Why it matters

The Kona low storm poses a serious threat to public safety and infrastructure across Hawaiʻi, with the potential for widespread flooding, power outages, and disruption to essential services. The emergency response and preparedness efforts by state and local officials are crucial to protecting residents and mitigating the storm's impact.

The details

The Kona low storm is expected to intensify on Friday, bringing gale-force winds, heavy rain, and the possibility of snow and ice on the highest elevations of Hawaiʻi island. Flood warnings have been issued for southern and western slopes, and officials warn that driving conditions will become treacherous due to ponding on roadways. In response, the governor has declared a state of emergency, and counties have announced closures of parks, recreational facilities, and some government offices. Shelters will be opened as needed in affected areas.

  • The storm is expected to grow "vastly more severe" on Friday as winds pick up and rain saturates the ground.
  • The emergency proclamations were issued on Thursday for the counties of Honolulu, Maui, and Kauaʻi, as well as at the state level.
  • Public schools and Department of Education offices across the state, except for Hawaiʻi island, were slated for closure on Friday.
  • County garbage pickup in Maui was postponed east of Kamehameha V Highway near Kawela Gulch due to a landslide, with regular service expected to resume on Thursday, March 19.

The players

Josh Green

The governor of Hawaiʻi who moved to shut down state agencies via an emergency proclamation in response to the Kona low storm.

National Weather Service

The federal agency that has issued hazardous weather warnings and forecasts for the Kona low storm affecting Hawaiʻi.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This Kona low storm highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and coordinated response efforts by state and local officials in Hawaiʻi to protect public safety and minimize the impact of severe weather events on the islands.