Department of Transportation

Airport Impacts

• No major impacts to State Airports.

Harbor Impacts

• No major impacts to commercial harbors.

Road Closures

Please continue to follow HDOT’s social media accounts, https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiDepartmentOfTransportation/ and https://twitter.com/DOTHawaii for updates.

Tips to Consider When Driving in the Rain

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) urges drivers to educate themselves on how to prepare for rainy weather and exercise safe driving practices. Even before rainfall, motorists should check their cars to make sure they are in proper working condition before getting on the road. When driving through the rain, functional lights, tires, and windshield wipers are essential for optimum safety. Roadways can become very slick during rainy weather, so drive cautiously and make sure to give yourself enough stopping distance to avoid collisions. If flooding or ponding occurs on the road, avoid the area. Rushing water has enough force to carry vehicles.

Preventative Actions

1. Always use your seat belt and make sure that all passengers are properly restrained.
2. Make sure all lights on your vehicle are in working order. This includes headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights.
3. Rainy conditions limit visibility, so do what you can to maintain a clear view. Make sure your windshield wipers are in working order, and keep your windshield and windows clean. If windows fog up, use your air conditioner to reduce humidity.
4. Check your tires regularly to make sure they have adequate tread. This will reduce your chances of hydroplaning and skidding.

Actions to Take While Driving

1. Turn your headlights on even in a light rain or in gloomy, foggy, or overcast conditions. It will help you see the road and help other drivers see you. If your car has daytime running lights, you should still put your headlights on, so vehicles behind you can see you better.
2. Do not drive through flood waters. As little as 1 foot of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
3. Slow down to avoid hydroplaning, and allow for increased stopping distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you as tires do not grip as well to wet roadways.
4. Do not use cruise control.
5. Drive defensively. Steering around an obstacle is preferred over braking to avoid a collision since sudden braking on wet roadways can lead to skidding especially at speeds over 25 mph.
6. If your car begins to skid, avoid slamming on the brakes as this will make it harder to regain control. Instead, continue to steer in the direction you want to go until your wheels have regained traction.