2018 Kauai flood

2018 Kauai Flood
Date April 14–15, 2018
Location Kauai (Hawaii)

On April 14 into the following day, a flash flood struck the Hawaiian island of Kauai, caused by a period of intense rainfall. A rain gauge owned by the Waipa Foundation, just west of Hanalei on Kauai's northern coast, recorded 49.69 in (1,262 mm) of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 12:45 PM (HST). Pending verification by the National Climatic Extremes Committee, the rainfall total broke the 24 hour rainfall set during Tropical Storm Claudette on July 26, 1979 in Alvin, Texas. The total would also break the Hawaii record of 38 in (970 mm) set on January 25, 1956 at Kilauea, also on Kauai.[1][2]

The sudden rainfall caused flooding and mudslides, with the worst erosion in isolated areas. The floods washed away roads and small bridges, including a portion of Hawaii Route 56. At least four vacant houses were washed away, and dozens of homes had water intrusion. There were no injuries during the event. Local and national emergency crews rescued 273 people from their homes by helicopter, boat, and bus. An Red Cross shelter in Kilauea housed 13 people after the event.[3][4]

After the floods, Hawaiian Governor David Ige declared a State of Emergency. On April 18, the Hawaiian legislature approved $125 million in disaster funding, including $100 million for Kauai.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Kevin Kodama (April 25, 2018). "Possible New National Record 24-Hour Rainfall from". Honolulu, Hawaii National Weather Service. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  2. ↑ David M. Roth (November 29, 2017). "Tropical Storm Claudette - July 16-31, 1979". Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  3. ↑ "Over 200 Hawaii residents airlifted from Kauai flooding following 30 inches of rain". USAToday. April 17, 2018. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  4. 1 2 "Kauai Flooding Eases But Damage Is Worse Than Expected, Aerial Survey Shows". Weather.com. April 19, 2018. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
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