Kona storm returns to Hawaii, renewing flood threat across the islands

A potent Kona storm is bringing heavy rain to Hawaii, renewing flood fears two weeks after the state suffered its worst flooding in 20 years. Forecasters expect about 4–8 inches of rain statewide, with heavier bands over 10 inches possible, threatening Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai. A flood watch remains through Friday, and Honolulu will activate its Emergency Operations Center with first responders deployed to vulnerable areas, as evacuations may become necessary. This marks the third Kona storm to hit Hawaii since mid-March, following March floods that dumped a foot of rain on Oahu and caused hundreds of rescues; some locations recorded up to 25 inches in a 24-hour period.