Definition

A Kona storm (also known as a Kona low) is a seasonal cyclone in the region of the Hawaiian Islands.

Description

Kona storms usually occur in winter. These cold-core cyclones, so termed because their coldest temperatures are found in their centers, typically form due to winds coming from the westerly or southwesterly "kona" direction. (The word comes from the native Hawaiian language. It refers to the leeward direction, as Hawaii's most common winds are the northeasterly trade winds.) Kona storms can bring high winds, heavy rain, hail, flash floods, and snow in high elevations. They pick up moisture from the warm tropical waters that surround Hawaii, then interact with the terrain of the islands to create strong precipitation. This type of storm tends to bring greater rainfall than a cold front storm.