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Hawaii Braces for Peak Kona Low With Flooding, Damaging Winds and Summit Snow

Deep tropical moisture coupled with a strong upper jet is driving a Friday–Saturday peak in impacts, according to forecasters.

Heavy raindrops splashing on the ground
Satellite image of Kona low affecting Hawai'i at 20:00 UTC on March 11, 2026. Credit: NOAA/GOES-West, Zoom Earth, The Watchers

Overview

  • The National Weather Service has flood watches statewide through Saturday as impacts expand east from Kauaʻi and Oʻahu beginning Thursday night into Friday.
  • Forecasts call for widespread heavy rain, scattered thunderstorms and potentially damaging south to southwest winds, with the strongest winds expected Friday into Saturday.
  • Governor Josh Green issued emergency proclamations to accelerate preparation, response and recovery for the March 2026 Kona low event.
  • Meteorologists cite a negatively tilted trough, a 138–161 mph jet streak aloft and precipitable water near 1.75–2.25 inches supporting prolonged, organized convection and flash‑flood risk.
  • High‑elevation hazards include a winter storm watch for Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, where blizzard conditions and up to 18 inches of snow are possible.