The wet season is nearly upon us in the islands – which may or may not bring relief to drier parts of the state this year.
Officials with the National Weather Service are predicting above average rainfall this year with a transition to a La Niña situation.
But depending on the strength of La Niña, Leeward parts of the islands may not see enough rain to relieve drought conditions.
Although this year started fairly wet, the dry season, which runs from May to September, was the 13th driest in the last 30 years.
Kevin Kodama is a hydrologist with the National Weather Service.
He says moderate to strong La Niña conditions will feel like dry, summer conditions.
Kodama says residents should be vigilant and prepared for season conditions.
Officials would like to remind residents to:
- Not drive on roads with fast-flowing water.
- Not walk across flooded streams.
- Expect more rainy weather impacts. Such as: increased road travel times, possible detours or road closures due to flooding or landslides, and outdoor activities may be postponed, canceled, or adjusted.
- Identify alternate routes and have an evacuation plan ahead of time (if you live in a flood-prone area).
- Stay informed of conditions that could change rapidly.
Kodama adds the wet season also increases the potential for lightning strikes, and residents should be prepared for potential power outages.
The wet season runs from October to April.
