Flooding in Hawaii

What should you do if a flood advisory is issued during your Hawaii vacation?

While being bummed out would be a natural answer to that question, it’s much more important that you take action right away. There are three types of flood advisories to look out for: Flash Flood Watch (flooding is possible), Flood Warning (flooding is occurring or will occur soon) and a Flash Flood Warning (flooding is occurring).

In either scenario, here are a few tips to follow (according to the Hawaii County website):

• Move to higher ground

  and tune into a local radio or television station.

• Avoid hiking or being near mountainous areas.

  Landslides or mudslides may occur.

• Stay out of the ocean.

  Dangerous moving debris may get caught up in the flow of water.

• Do not walk or swim through a flooded area

  . It only takes 6 inches of moving water to sweep you off your feet.

• Stay away from downed power lines

  and other electrical wires or fallen trees.

• Do not drive through flooded areas.

  It only takes 1 foot of water to carry a vehicle.

• Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

  Almost half of all flash flood fatalities occur in vehicles. If you approach a flooded roadway, turn around. If water gets into your car, abandon the vehicle and get to higher ground.

Posted by: Bruce Fisher