...FLOOD WATCH FOR MAUI COUNTY THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON...
...FLOOD WATCH FOR OAHU STARTING SATURDAY MORNING...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
* WHERE...Oahu.
* WHEN...From Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Flood prone roads and other low lying areas may be
closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams. Urban areas
may receive more significant flooding and property damage due to
rapid runoff.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- A developing surface trough will act as a focus for cloud and
shower development over Oahu starting on Saturday. The bulk
of the rainfall is expected to fall over windward slopes and
coasts, but some heavy showers could spread to leeward areas,
where stream flow could also become elevated.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
&&
Officials are urging both tourists and locals to stay away from closed hiking trails -- after a woman died at Wailua Falls on Kauai over the weekend.
HONOLULU (KITV4) - Officials are urging both tourists and locals to stay away from closed hiking trails, after a woman died at Wailua Falls on Kauai over the weekend.
Punaluu resident Lance Fairly said he assisted in the 1999 Sacred Falls tragedy and he urges tourists to honor “No Trespassing signs”.
“You can sense the danger at a lot of these places. These locations they're keeping you out of are dangerous and it’s wise to obey the signage. It’s not an adventure, but a life and death situation,” said Fairly.
Executive Director at Kauai Visitors Bureau, Sue Kanoho said bloggers post several videos on how to get to dangerous and closed spots including Wailua falls.
She believes that is pushing more tourists to go to those areas.
“There are people that post videos and directions on how to get there, it’s unconscionable. As heartbreaking as this is, we’re begging people to not put themselves in harm’s away,” said Kanoho.
Kanoho said the KVB is working with companies like Tripadvisor and the Shaka App to educate consumers. Some visitor apps will recommend certain locations and not mention the areas are closed and treacherous.
A Kauai resident and tour guide, Dickie Chang said he does not take visitors snorkeling or hiking because of the dangers of the water and some trails.
He said tragedies like 28-year-old Nicole Chavez who died at Wailua Falls this past weekend devastated the people in his town.
"We get so many young people that perish for no reason. I don’t want to say it’s ignorance but it’s the lack of education on mother nature. This affects everyone here, especially people that conduct search and rescue," said Chang.
Kauai Visitors Bureau officials said they are working with DLNR on adding 24/7 security to certain spots like Wailua falls and queens bath – but nothing is confirmed as of yet.
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