Hawaii Braces for Severe Kona Storm: School Closures and Hazardous Conditions Expected

A powerful Kona storm is impacting Hawaii, bringing the threat of heavy rainfall, damaging winds, flash flooding and even blizzard conditions to the summits of the Sizeable Island. Schools across multiple counties have been closed, and residents are urged to take precautions as the storm continues through the weekend.

Storm Impacts and Closures

Governor Josh Green has issued warnings about the severe weather conditions affecting the state. Public and charter schools on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Hawaii Island, Molokai, and Lanai will be closed on Friday, March 13, 2026. All Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) offices will also be closed. Several private schools, including Damien Memorial School, Le Jardin Academy, Iolani School, Punahou School, Sacred Hearts Academy, Island Pacific Academy, and all Kamehameha Schools campuses on Kauai, Oahu, and Maui County, have also announced closures. Parents and students should confirm operating status directly with their schools.

University of Hawaii campuses on Oahu and Maui County are closed on Friday, impacting scheduled classes and events, including the OUTRIGGER Invitational men’s volleyball tournament and a Rainbow Wahine softball game. The status of campuses on Kauai and Hawaii Counties is pending, with further announcements expected from the University of Hawaii.

Special-use lanes on Kauai and Oahu, including the Zipperlane and the Kuhio Highway Southbound Contraflow, will not be in operation on Friday.

Weather Forecast and Threats

The Kona low, located approximately 1500 miles northwest of Kauai, is drawing deep tropical moisture towards the islands. Up to 6 inches of rain has already fallen in leeward Kauai, causing rivers to rise. Heavy rain is expected to arrive on Kauai and Oahu late Thursday, spreading to the rest of the state on Friday and lasting through Saturday or Sunday.

The primary threat from the storm is flash flooding, with most islands expected to receive at least four inches of additional rain. The heaviest rainfall is anticipated on south- or southwest-facing coasts and mountain slopes, with some areas potentially receiving over 18 inches. A few severe thunderstorms are possible on Friday or Saturday, bringing damaging winds and large hail.

Gusty winds, potentially exceeding 50 mph in lower elevations and over 100 mph on the Big Island volcanic summits, are also expected. These winds could cause tree limbs to break, block roadways, and lead to power outages. The summits of the Big Island could experience significant winter impacts, including blowing snow and over a foot of accumulation.

Hurricane-force winds are possible over coastal waters, and choppy seas are expected.

What is a Kona Low?

Kona lows are storm systems that develop to the west or northwest of the islands, pulling moisture from the south and creating messy, potentially dangerous conditions. They typically occur between October and May, with January being the most common month. Unlike typical Hawaiian weather patterns driven by northeast trade winds, Kona storms bring winds from the southwest, soaking areas that are usually drier, such as Honolulu and the Kona coast of the Big Island.