Flood, Thunderstorm Advisory Issued for Big Island

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for Hawai‘i Island on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, through 5:45 p.m. this evening.

Heavy rains and thunderstorms are possible.

At 2:45 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain near Hilo.

Rain was falling at a rate of two inches per hour.

Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to Hilo, Hawaiian Acres, Pa‘auilo, Orchidland Estates, Glenwood, Pepe‘ekeo, Kea‘au, Laupahoehoe, O‘okala, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Honomu and Mountain View.

Due to the flood advisory, the following are in effect:

• Be aware of lightning; the best place to be is indoors.
• Expect possible interruptions in your utility services.
• Be on the alert for malfunctioning traffic signals. Please treat flashing traffic lights as a four-way stop.

Stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding.

Rainfall and runoff will also cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action.

Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown.

This advisory may need to be extended beyond 5:45 p.m. if heavy rain persists.

A Flash Flood Watch is also in effect for until 6 p.m.