Flash Flood Emergency in Kau District of Hawaii Island; Two Homes Reportedly Swept Away Near Pahala and Wood Valley
Rain fell at 3 to 5 inches per hour across the Kau District on August 15, 2026, as Hurricane Lala pushed the alert to warning level.
3 reports on this incident · first at Aug 17, 2026, 10:40 a.m. ET
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Earlier reports
Aug 17, 2026, 11:14 a.m. ET
Torrential Rain Sweeps Away Two Homes in Hawaii Island's Kau District
Two homes were reportedly swept away in the Kau District of Hawaii Island after torrential rainfall from Hurricane Lala struck the region on August 15, 2026, according to KWTX.
The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency warning for the Kau District, which began on August 15, 2026. Rain was falling at an extreme rate of 3 to 5 inches per hour, and flash flooding remained ongoing as additional heavy rain bands were expected over several hours, KMVT and KWTX reported.
The impacted areas include Wood Valley, Pahala, Punaluu Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kawa Flats, Volcano, Naalehu, Glenwood, Hawaiian Ocean View, Mountain View, and Waiohinu. Regarding precautions, KWTX reported that residents were urged to seek higher ground, while KMVT reported residents urged to seek higher ground.
Aug 17, 2026, 10:40 a.m. ETFirst report
Flash Flood Emergency Issued for Kau District on Hawaii Island
The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency warning for the Kau District of Hawaii Island beginning on August 15, 2026, according to reporting by KMVT. The situation remains open and developing.
Rain was falling at an extreme rate of 3 to 5 inches per hour, and flash flooding remained ongoing as additional heavy rain bands were expected over the next several hours, KMVT reported. Residents have been urged to seek higher ground.
According to KMVT, the warning covers areas including Wood Valley, Pahala, Punaluu Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kawa Flats, Volcano, Naalehu, Glenwood, Hawaiian Ocean View, Mountain View, and Waiohinu.
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Revision history
- Version 117 Aug 2026, 15:14current
First published.
- Version 117 Aug 2026, 14:40current
First published.
- Version 117 Aug 2026, 15:23current
First published.
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