In some terribly tragic information from Maui, two vacationers died in flash floods. A 3rd is lacking and is presumed to have additionally died. What heartbreaking information!
KHON2 revealed an exclusive interview with the spouse of one of many flash flood victims. Within the interview, she says that she didn’t know what a flash flood was or perceive the warnings for it. She says that there must be extra training for guests to grasp the hazards of flash floods.
The KHON2 phase says, “Most residents say it’s widespread data to keep away from mountaineering when it’s raining or when there are storm clouds over the mountain.” Whereas that could be widespread data for locals, it might not be properly understood by guests from areas the place flash floods should not practically as widespread as they’re in Hawaii.
Per honolulu.gov, Hawaii averages 11 flash flood occasions per 12 months. They’re extra frequent between October and April, however are potential any time of 12 months.
We’ve witnessed how instantly a flash flood can occur
As guests ourselves, we didn’t actually perceive the hazards of flash flooding in Hawaii at first. From following the information in our practically 15 years of protecting Hawaii journey, we’ve realized how perilous they are often.
On a Maui hike to Waimoku Falls in 2011, we noticed firsthand what a flash flood seems to be like. And, it was scary! Close to the tip of the path, hikers should stroll by way of a stream to get to the waterfall view. We had no hassle passing by way of it on our technique to see the waterfall. Instantly, as we stood admiring Waimoku Falls, the circulation of the waterfall tripled in quantity. The identical stream that we needed to traverse, is similar stream that follows the waterfall. Together with another hikers, we stood by the swollen stream questioning if we might safely move it. All of us lastly determined that it was satisfactory as there have been massive rocks above water that we might maintain onto as we crossed. It was dangerous however, prayerfully and fortunately, all of us made it safely by way of.
Earlier than we took that hike, we took all of the precautions to examine for flash flooding. We seen that there have been some gentle clouds on the mountain. We requested a park ranger if it was secure to hike that day and we have been instructed it was secure. We don’t blame the park ranger as a result of they haven’t any method of figuring out how a lot rain might or might not fall.
Why is Hawaii vulnerable to flash floods?
The mountainous terrain of Hawaii is without doubt one of the causes. When rain falls, significantly a heavy downpour, massive volumes of water circulation downhill shortly. Right here’s how weather.gov describes this state of affairs:
“Steep, hilly, or mountainous terrain produces speedy runoff and fast stream response, for the reason that water will journey downhill at larger speeds into rivers and over land. Rocky terrain can exacerbate the event of flash floods and raging waters since rocks and clay soils don’t permit as a lot water to infiltrate the bottom. Steep, slender valleys generate quickly flowing waters that may shortly rise to appreciable depth. As an illustration, a mountain creek that’s normally solely 6 inches deep can swell to a 10-foot depth in lower than one hour.”
What does a flash flood in Hawaii appear like?
Try this YouTube footage exhibiting a waterfall that begins at regular circulation, then instantly is overwhelmed by water.
Discover the water turns brown. That’s an indicator of flooding because the heavy circulation has gathered filth.
Right here’s one other video exhibiting the sudden arrival of a flash flood that’s posted on the Haleakala Nationwide Park’s website.
How do you keep away from a flash flood whenever you go to Hawaii?
Listed below are some security recommendations:
- Take note of the climate forecast. If heavy rain and/or a flash flood warning, watch or advisory are within the forecast keep away from driving, mountaineering and swimming in areas with streams.
- Look to the sky above the place you intend to hike, whether it is darkish grey, that may very well be an indicator that flash flooding might happen.
- Don’t cross or drive by way of flooded streams or roads.
- See extra suggestions here.
Along with harmful streams, flash flooding may cause, landslides, mudslides and dislodge rocks and boulders.
At all times keep away from brown water — each in streams and the ocean — throughout and after a flood as that water may very well be contaminated. Test native information for brown water advisories.
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Have been you already acquainted with the hazards of flash floods in Hawaii?
