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Severe Weather Disruptions Expected: Act Now to Mitigate Operational & Property Risks

·8 min read·⚡ Act Now

Executive Summary

A powerful kona storm is poised to deliver hazardous weather across Hawaii through Sunday, threatening significant flash flooding, damaging winds, and potential property damage. Businesses must implement immediate contingency plans to safeguard operations and assets.

  • Small Business Operators: Expect supply chain disruptions, potential property damage, and staffing challenges.
  • Real Estate Owners: Risk of property damage from flooding and wind; potential for temporary utility outages impacting tenants.
  • Tourism Operators: Cancellations and travel disruptions likely; potential damage to rental properties.
  • Agriculture & Food Producers: Crop damage, livestock risks, and transportation delays are highly probable.
  • Action: Implement storm preparedness protocols immediately; secure loose outdoor items, review emergency plans, and monitor official advisories.

Action Required

High Priority

Failure to prepare for flash flooding, damaging winds, and other hazardous weather can lead to operational downtime, supply chain disruptions, and property damage within the next 30 days.

Small business operators should secure outdoor assets, reinforce staff communication protocols, and consider stocking critical supplies before disruptions intensify. Real estate owners must clear drainage, secure properties, and communicate with tenants. Tourism operators need to update guests on policies, secure properties, and monitor travel advisories. Agriculture producers should move livestock, secure equipment, and plan for transportation delays. All operators should monitor official advisories from state and county emergency management agencies.

Who's Affected
Small Business OperatorsReal Estate OwnersTourism OperatorsAgriculture & Food Producers
Ripple Effects
  • →Damaged infrastructure → prolonged supply chain disruptions → increased operating costs and product shortages for businesses
  • →Widespread property damage → increased demand for local contractors and repair services → potential delays and cost inflation for other projects
  • →Evacuations or prolonged utility outages → temporary reduction in tourism demand → softened revenue for hospitality sector and related services
  • →Crop and livestock losses → reduced local food availability → potential increase in food prices for consumers and restaurants
Moody seascape with storm clouds looming over rocky coastline and driftwood on sandy beach.
Photo by Connor Scott McManus

Severe Weather Disruptions Expected: Act Now to Mitigate Operational & Property Risks

Executive Brief

A powerful kona storm is poised to deliver hazardous weather across Hawaii through Sunday, threatening significant flash flooding, damaging winds, and potential property damage. Businesses must implement immediate contingency plans to safeguard operations and assets.

  • Small Business Operators: Expect supply chain disruptions, potential property damage, and staffing challenges.
  • Real Estate Owners: Risk of property damage from flooding and wind; potential for temporary utility outages impacting tenants.
  • Tourism Operators: Cancellations and travel disruptions likely; potential damage to rental properties.
  • Agriculture & Food Producers: Crop damage, livestock risks, and transportation delays are highly probable.
  • Action: Implement storm preparedness protocols immediately; secure loose outdoor items, review emergency plans, and monitor official advisories.

The Change

As of Sunday, March 16, 2026, a potent kona storm has positioned itself north of the Hawaiian Islands, generating a suite of hazardous weather conditions expected to persist through the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued advisories forecasting significant flash flooding, damaging wind gusts exceeding those typical of trade winds, and isolated thunderstorms across all island groups. The highest elevations of the Big Island may also experience snow and ice. Maui County and the Big Island are anticipated to bear the brunt of these impacts due to the storm's trajectory and intensity. These conditions pose immediate risks to physical infrastructure, operational continuity, and supply chain integrity throughout the state.

Who's Affected

Small Business Operators (small-operator)

Businesses across Hawaii, particularly on Maui and the Big Island, face immediate operational threats. Expect significant disruptions to incoming and outgoing shipments due to potential road closures and hazardous travel conditions. Damaging winds could cause physical damage to storefronts, signage, and outdoor seating areas, requiring immediate repairs and potentially leading to lost operating days. Staffing may become an issue as employees face difficulties commuting. Power outages are also a possibility, impacting businesses that rely on electricity for operations.

Real Estate Owners (real-estate)

Property owners and managers must prepare for potential damage from high winds and flooding. Low-lying areas are particularly susceptible to flash flooding, which can cause extensive damage to ground-floor units, basements, and commercial spaces. Roof damage, broken windows, and downed trees are also significant risks associated with strong winds. Utility disruptions from downed power lines can affect tenants and require immediate attention. For properties near coastal or riverine flood zones, securing basements and drainage systems is critical. Renters may face temporary displacement, leading to lost rental income.

Tourism Operators (tourism-operator)

Hotels, tour operators, and vacation rental managers are likely to experience a surge in cancellations and inquiries due to travel advisories and hazardous conditions. Flight disruptions are probable, impacting both arriving and departing visitors. Properties, especially those in exposed or coastal areas, are at risk of wind and water damage. Tour cancellations will directly impact revenue streams. Managing guest safety and providing accurate, timely information will be paramount. Post-storm, cleanup and repair costs could be substantial, alongside potential dips in visitor confidence if widespread damage occurs.

Agriculture & Food Producers (agriculture)

Farmers and ranchers face the most direct threat to their livelihoods. Crops, particularly those in flood-prone areas, are at high risk of being damaged or destroyed by excessive rainfall and inundation. Livestock can also be endangered by flooding and high winds. Damaging winds can flatten crops, damage irrigation systems, and destroy outbuildings. For producers relying on exports, storm-related port closures and transportation delays will severely disrupt supply chains, potentially leading to spoiled product and contract breaches. Aquaculture operations may face damage to their facilities and loss of stock.

Second-Order Effects

This severe weather event, concentrated on Maui and the Big Island, will further strain Hawaii's already fragile supply chains, leading to widespread product shortages and price increases for essential goods impacting all sectors. Damaged infrastructure such as roads and communication lines will exacerbate these issues, potentially delaying critical repairs and increasing the cost of doing business. The immediate need for repairs and recovery efforts will divert limited local labor and resources, potentially delaying other planned construction or maintenance projects for small businesses and real estate developers. For tourism operators, disruptions could lead to a short-term decrease in visitor arrivals, softening demand for services and impacting the broader hospitality ecosystem.

What to Do

Small Business Operators

Action: Implement comprehensive storm preparedness immediately. This includes securing outdoor furniture, signage, and any loose items that could become projectiles in high winds. Review and reinforce emergency communication plans with staff: ensure all employees know reporting procedures and safety protocols. Check inventories for essential supplies that may be impacted by supply chain delays and stock up on critical items if possible before disruptions intensify. For businesses with physical storefronts, consider boarding up windows or taking other protective measures if located in high-risk flood or wind zones. Monitor advisories from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and local county agencies.

Real Estate Owners

Action: Conduct immediate property inspections, focusing on drainage systems, roofing, and windows. Clear gutters and storm drains to prevent water backup. Secure loose outdoor property, such as patio furniture, and trim trees with branches close to structures. For rental properties, communicate proactively with tenants about potential risks and preparedness measures. Ensure emergency contact information for tenants and maintenance crews is up-to-date. Review insurance policies to understand coverage for wind and flood damage; consider documenting property condition with photographs or videos before the storm hits. Stay informed via Maui County Emergency Management Agency and Hawaii County Civil Defense.

Tourism Operators

Action: Review cancellation and refund policies and communicate them clearly to guests. Update websites and social media with the latest travel advisories and operational status. Ensure all properties are secured against wind and water damage; check that emergency kits and backup power sources are functional. For tour operators, prepare to postpone or cancel excursions and communicate with clients immediately. Monitor airline advisories and passenger rebooking information closely. Coordinate with local emergency management agencies for the latest safety directives. The Hawaii Tourism Authority will provide broader visitor advisories.

Agriculture & Food Producers

Action: Assess field conditions and move livestock to higher, safer ground if susceptible to flooding. Secure farm equipment, irrigation systems, and any stored crops or feed that could be damaged or blown away. For high-value crops, consider protective measures if feasible. Review transportation contracts and logistics plans to anticipate significant delays. Communicate with buyers and suppliers regarding potential impacts on deliveries and orders. Document any crop or property damage through photographs or video for insurance claims and potential disaster relief applications. Consult resources from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for guidance on disaster preparedness.

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