Hawaii's Kona storm triggers flooding, 100-mph winds and summit snow

The episode details the March 2026 Kona storm, a severe weather event that caused widespread disruption across the Hawaiian Islands. Driven by a subtropical low-pressure system, the storm brought a rare combination of torrential rain, hurricane-force winds, and blizzard conditions to high-altitude volcanic summits. The narrative describes how Governor Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation to coordinate state resources as the storm moved from Kauai and Oahu toward Maui and the Big Island. Significant infrastructure damage occurred, including flooded highways, massive power outages, and isolated communities due to landslides. Ultimately, the report highlights the meteorological complexity of Kona lows and the resilience of local communities during the extensive recovery efforts.

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