Tornado Warning Issued for Puʻuwai Area of Hawaiʻi Island Until 7:00 AM HST as Radar Detects Rotating Storm
PUʻUWAI, HAWAII — The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Tornado Warning for the Puʻuwai area on Hawaiʻi Island, remaining in effect until 7:00 a.m. HST Friday, after radar indicated a storm capable of producing a tornado and small hail.
Forecasters say the warning covers a sparsely populated section of the island, but residents and anyone traveling through the area are urged to take the threat seriously and seek shelter immediately if conditions worsen.
What Prompted the Tornado Warning
According to the National Weather Service, the warning was issued after radar detected rotation within a strong thunderstorm moving across the Puʻuwai region overnight.
“This is a radar-indicated tornado,” the alert stated, noting that conditions are favorable for brief tornado development.
The storm is also capable of producing pea-sized hail, which, while small, can still pose a hazard when combined with strong winds and heavy rain.
Areas Affected and Potential Exposure
The warning specifically includes Puʻuwai, located along the western side of Hawaiʻi Island. While the estimated population in the warned area is approximately 51 people, the National Weather Service emphasized that even low-population warnings require immediate attention.
There are no schools or hospitals located within the warning polygon, but rural roads, outdoor workers, and overnight travelers could still be impacted.
Why Tornado Warnings Happen in Hawaii
Although tornadoes are rare in Hawaii, they are not impossible. Strong low-level wind shear combined with intense thunderstorms can occasionally produce short-lived tornadoes, especially during unsettled weather patterns.
Meteorologists explain that these events are often brief but unpredictable, making timely warnings critical.
“Tornadoes in Hawaii tend to be short-lived, but they can still cause localized damage,” forecasters noted.
Safety Guidance for Residents
Anyone in or near the warned area should take immediate precautions:
- Move indoors to a sturdy building
- Stay away from windows
- If possible, shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor
- Avoid travel until the warning expires
Outdoor activities should be postponed until conditions improve.
What Happens Next
The Tornado Warning is scheduled to expire at 7:00 a.m. HST, but officials say it could be extended or canceled early depending on how the storm evolves.
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring official updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency management officials throughout the morning.
For continued updates on weather conditions and how they may impact travel, events, and daily life across the islands, stay connected with ChicagoMusicGuide.com, where we track major weather developments affecting communities nationwide.