Residents on the islands of Maui and Hawaii (also known as the Big Island) have been warned about floods until Friday afternoon. The NWS also warned about a winter storm on mountains. A spokesman said: “Conditions are favourable for flash flooding and can be life threatening. You are advised to take the following precautions do not cross fast flowing water in your vehicle or on foot and monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action if a Flash Flood Warning is issued.”
“Remember, if lightning does threaten your area, the safest place to be is indoors.”
He added: “There is also a High Surf Advisory for East facing shores of Hawaii island and a Winter Storm for the mountain summits.”
Flooding in Hawaii happens on average eight times each wet season, which runs from October to April.
Veteran Hawaii News Now weather reporter Ben Gutierez has even forecasted snow for the tropical paradise.
He said: “Strong high pressure to the northeast will combine with an upper level disturbance to bring the threat of gusty trade winds, along with heavy rain, localised thunderstorms and even the possibility of snow to the Big Island summits through the weekend.
“Portions of Maui County and the Big Island will have the highest chance for downpours and thunder, while the rest of the island chain will see a wet trade wind weather pattern.”
He added: “There are several severe weather alerts. A flash flood watch will take effect at midnight Wednesday night until Friday afternoon for Maui and the Big Island.
“A wind advisory is currently posted until 8 p.m. Thursday for Lanai, Kahoolawe, leeward West Maui and Central Maui.
“And the Kohala area of the Big Island and a winter weather advisory is in effect for summit areas of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa above 11,000 feet.”
Last year was one of the wettest ever on record for Hawaii and with a series of thunderstorms in April producing America’s heaviest rainfall every, 1,262 mm in 24 hours.
The floods damaged or destroyed 532 houses and caused $125 million damage.
Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. declared a state of emergency for Kauai, which restricted tourists in the Hanalei region.
The mayor extended the emergency four more times and was only lifted in January this year.