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New Rainfall Record Certified

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This rain gauge measured the most rain to ever fall within a 24 hour period in the United States. Image: NCEC report / Waika Foundation
This rain gauge measured the most rain to ever fall within a 24 hour period in the United States. Image: NCEC report / Waika Foundation




After months of analysis, the National Climate Extremes Council (NCEC) has declared last year’s incredible rainstorm on the island of Kauai, Hawaii as the all-time record rainfall for a 24 hour period anywhere in the United States. The April 14-15, 2018 rainfall of 49.69″ broke the previous record set of 43.0″ in Alvin, Texas set on July 25-26, 1975. The measurement was recorded on a rain gauge maintained at Waipā Garden.

Homes and vehicles have washed away on Kauai as more than 2' of rain has fallen in less than 24 hours. Image: Twitter
Homes and vehicles have washed away on Kauai as more than 2′ of rain has fallen in less than 24 hours. Image: Twitter

According to the final report released by NCEC, although the Waipā Garden station is not part of the National Weather Service (NWS)  official observing network, the station was known to the local NWS Weather Forecast Office prior to April 2018 as an occasional provider of data for hydrological analysis and post-analysis purposes.

During the heavy rain event in April, pictures shared online show cars and trucks tossed like toys by flood waters, with homes floating out to sea in raging flood waters. The epic downpour created historic floods, destroying beach shacks and multi-million dollar homes in the process. In addition to stunning resorts and incredible views, the stretch of land  impacted by the unusual downpour is also home to many high-profile residents. Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg has a 700 acre sea-side compound in an area that saw more than 15 inches of rain in less than 10 hours. South Park creator Trey Parker also lives in Wailua, which RADAR estimates at least 6″ of rain fell. The record-breaking flooding triggered a massive search/recovery mission for those trapped in the flood-stricken areas.




 






While most heavy rain records are set by hurricanes and tropical storms, there was no tropical cyclone responsible for this heavy rain event. An upper level low situated several hundred miles west of Kauai had generated instability along with a shield of high clouds blanketing much of the Aloha State. With above-normal precipitable water to tap into the atmosphere,  a  subtle mid level trough was able to  focus heavy showers and thunderstorms over the Garden Isle for many hours, dumping yards of rain over a relatively short period.

The full report can be seen here.