Tornado Warning Issued for Hawaii’s Niihau Island After Radar Confirms Possible Tornadic Waterspout
KAUAI COUNTY, HAWAII — The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning early Friday morning for Niihau, Hawaii’s westernmost inhabited island, after radar detected strong rotation consistent with a possible tornadic waterspout moving through the area.
According to the warning details, the alert was issued at 6:37 a.m. local time as meteorologists observed a clear rotational velocity couplet on radar near Niihau, which is part of Kauai County. The circulation was located offshore, and officials said it remains uncertain whether the waterspout moved onshore.
Radar Confirms Strong Rotation Near Niihau
Radar imagery included with the warning showed tight, well-defined rotation, a key indicator forecasters use when determining whether a tornado or waterspout may be occurring. The circulation appeared embedded within a cluster of heavier rain showers west of Kauai.
Meteorologists noted that the rotational signature was strong enough to justify a tornado warning, even though landfall could not be immediately confirmed.
Waterspouts Are Rare but Not Unprecedented in Hawaii
While tornado warnings are uncommon in Hawaii compared to the mainland United States, they are not unprecedented. The National Weather Service office in Honolulu typically issues a tornado warning once every year or two, most often associated with waterspouts that develop over warm ocean waters and occasionally move onshore.
Niihau, due to its exposed location and surrounding marine environment, can be particularly vulnerable to these brief but intense weather features.
No Immediate Damage Reports
As of the latest update, no damage or injuries have been reported in connection with the warning. Officials continue to monitor radar and satellite data closely as showers and isolated storms move through the region.
Residents and anyone in the warned area were advised to remain indoors, avoid windows, and seek shelter in sturdy structures until the warning expired.
What Happens Next
The National Weather Service emphasized that waterspouts can weaken quickly, especially once they move away from favorable atmospheric conditions. However, officials cautioned that rapid changes are possible, and additional warnings could be issued if new rotation develops.
Residents across Kauai County are encouraged to stay weather-aware, monitor official alerts, and follow guidance from local emergency officials as conditions evolve.