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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Record Rainfall Soaks Hawaii

Flood alerts have islanders abandoning their homes

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(Newser) – A record downpour of 11 inches in 24 hours has damaged dozens of homes and sparked a flash-flood alert in Hawaii, MSNBC reports. No injuries have been reported, but many residents are voluntarily fleeing their homes in Hilo, the state's second-biggest city. "The situation in Hilo is critical and a life-threatening situation now," said Big Island mayor Harry Kim.

Thundershowers are forecast for tonight, particularly in the southern islands, forcing many rescue crews to stay inside to avoid lightning. However, the Army Corps of Engineers is inspecting improperly maintained levees that hold back two rivers, and a brown-water advisory has been issued for the Big Island after raw sewage was found seeping into the Pacific today.

Keali'i Martins wades through the floodwaters in his aunt's yard in Hilo, Hawaii on Monday, Feb. 4, 2008 as his cousin Ala Medeiros looks from her dry porch. The city of Hilo received more than 20 inches of rain in the past 48 hours. (AP Photo/Tim Wright)
Keali'i Martins wades through the floodwaters in his aunt's yard in Hilo, Hawaii on Monday, Feb. 4, 2008 as his cousin Ala Medeiros looks from her dry porch. The city of Hilo received more than 20 inches...   (Associated Press)
Dennis Inouye looks at a small stream that caused flooding to his Hilo, Hawaii home on Monday, Feb. 4, 2008. The city of Hilo had over 20 inches of rain in the past 48 hours. (AP Photo/Tim Wright)
Dennis Inouye looks at a small stream that caused flooding to his Hilo, Hawaii home on Monday, Feb. 4, 2008. The city of Hilo had over 20 inches of rain in the past 48 hours. (AP Photo/Tim Wright)   (Associated Press)
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