Flooding Preparedness
La’ie and the surrounding communities receive heavy rainfall during the winter months, particularly from the months of November through March. Occasionally, BYU–Hawaii and the surrounding community experience moderate to severe flooding. This can be a safety and health hazard to residents and can cause loss or damage to property.
Understanding Alerts
Flood Advisory
A flood advisory is issued when a weather event that may cause minor issues is expected to happen. It is also issued when flooding is not expected to be severe enough for a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Flood Watch
A flood watch is issued when conditions suggest a hazardous weather event might happen. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Flood Warning
A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or already happening. Roads may be flooded.
Flash Flood Warning
A flash flood is a sudden, violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain. A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring.
Preparation
- Sign up for BYUH Alerts to stay informed on possible emergencies.
- Have an emergency kit with clean water and dry clothes.
- Place important documents in a sealable plastic bag.
- Unplug all household electronics on lower floors.
- Volunteer to help place sandbags when needed.
During a Flood
General safety recommendations:
- Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, especially if the water is actively moving.
- Shelter in place.
- Move to higher floors of your building if flooding worsens.
- Flood will likely be followed by a power outage that could last several days. Expect to be cut off from other areas for some time.
If a Flood Warning is issued:
- Move to higher ground if instructed by BYUH Alerts, HNL Alerts, or local officials.
- Never drive through flooded roads.
If a Flash Flood Warning is issued:
- If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground.
High Risk Areas Near BYU–Hawaii
On-Campus
- Front fields
- Joseph F. Smith Library
- Lorenzo Snow Administration Building surrounding areas
- Stake Center
- Teacher Education Building
Off-Campus
- Iosepa Street
- Laie Park
- Moana Street
- Naniloa Loop
- Sam’s Store/ Hukilau Café area
PCC
- Various Locations
Common Road Closures Due to Flooding/Landslides
Kamehameha Highway often floods in many areas. High water on the roads in these areas often prevents many cars from driving through, and debris may be washed onto the road.
These areas include:
- Waikane Stream Bridge (by Waiahole Poi Factory)
- Ka’a’awa Valley (by Kualoa Beach)
- Hau’ula Bridge (by North Shore Tacos)
- La’ie Bridge (by Pounders Beach Park)
- Near Kawela Bay
- Near Sunset Beach Elementary and Ehukai Beach Park
- Waimea Bay