The National Weather Service has canceled the Flash Flood Warning for Hawai‘i County as of 4:04 p.m. today.
However, a flash flood watch remains in effect through Sunday afternoon for Hawai‘i County since there is the potential for heavy rainfall to redevelop during the weekend.
The combination of deep tropical moisture and an unstable airmass may result in heavy showers and thunderstorms through the weekend.
A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is very dangerous.
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The NWS urges residents and visitors to monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued. Campers and hikers should consider postponing their outing until the weather is better.
Hawaii Police Department reports Kahikopele Road in upper Puna in the Eden Rock area remains closed due to flooding.
As a reminder, both lanes are open on Highway 11 near Kawa Flats in Ka’u at mile markers 58 to 59.
In Hilo, Kamehameha Avenue remains closed in both directions between Pauahi Street and Ponahawai Street.
Outbound traffic is open on Hilo Bayfront Highway from Wailoa Bridge. Inbound traffic is diverted to Waianuenue Avenue.
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A Flash Flood Watch is now in effect for Hawai‘i County until Sunday afternoon.
Pe‘epe‘e Falls and Boiling Pots, Dec. 2, 2016. Crystal Richard photo.
Rainbow Falls, Dec. 2, 2016. Crystal Richard photo.
Wailuku River in Wainaku, Dec. 2, 2016. Crystal Richards photo.
UPDATE 5: Dec. 2, 3 p.m.
The National Weather Service extended the flash flood warning for Hawai‘i Island Friday afternoon through 5:15 p.m. HST.
On Thursday, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the summit of Mauna Loa that remains in effect. Heavy rain and high winds pummeled the 13,677-foot summit, and abundant snow was visible on webcams and at sunset Thursday.
Heavy rain continues to fall across the districts of North and South Hilo, Puna and Ka’ū.
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Kahikopele in the upper Puna near Eden Rock is closed.
Hawai‘i Police Department report intermittent lane closures along the Hamakua coast due to roadway debris.
Both lanes are open in Kawa Flats of Ka’ū district.
In Hilo, Kamehameha Avenue is closed in both directions between Pauahi Street and Ponahawai Street.
Outbound traffic is open on Hilo Bayfront Highway from the Wailoa Bridge. Inbound traffic is diverted to Waianuenue Avenue.
UPDATE 4: Dec. 2, 12.10 p.m.
The Flash Flood Warning may need to be extended by the National Weather Service beyond 2:15 p.m. if heavy rains persist.
Stay off the roads if at all possible. If you must drive, drive with caution as road closures may occur at any time.
ROAD/LANE CLOSURES
The Hawai‘i Police Department reports multiple landslides and intermittent lane closures along the Hāmākua Coast.
The entrance to the Eden Roc subdivision in Puna is closed due to flooding. Motorists are advised to detour using Uahi Road in the Kapua Farm Lots subdivision.
Highway 11 is now closed in both directions near Kawa Flats in Ka‘ū near mile markers 58 to 59.
In Hilo, Kamehameha Avenue is closed in both directions between Manono Street and Ponahawai Street.
Hilo Bayfront Highway is also closed in both directions between Waianuenue Avenue and Wailoa Bridge.
PARK CLOSURES
Thurston Lava Tube and the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park are closed due to impacts from heavy rainfall and flash flooding. On Friday, the floor of the lava tube was flooded with rain, and water covered the electrical conduit system. The power was shut off, but visitor access is prohibited until further notice.
The Kahuku Unit, which is usually open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, was closed for the day on Friday morning due to flooding and a road closure on Highway 11. Staff will reassess conditions Saturday morning, and determine if Kahuku will open for the weekend.
The summit of Mauna Loa remains closed to all day use and overnight camping. Closures remain in effect until it is safe to reopen.
The summit closure is in effect above the Red Hill (Pu‘u‘ula‘ula) Cabin. Hikers can still obtain a backcountry permit to hike to and stay at Red Hill Cabin, but backcountry permits to areas above 10,000 feet are suspended and day hiking is prohibited. Hikers going to Red Hill will be advised during the permit process to proceed with caution and carry appropriate gear.
“Park rangers will constantly monitor the roads and destinations within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park during this storm, and additional closures may be warranted,” said Chief Ranger John Broward.
EVENT CANCELLATIONS
Due to storm conditions involving flash flooding and landslides along Highway 19, the Hāmākua Community Development Plan Steering Committee Meeting scheduled for tonight at Laupāhoehoe Library is canceled. This meeting will be rescheduled. Call (808) 961-8288 for more information.
UPDATE 3: Dec. 2, 11:10 a.m.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the Big Island in effect until 2:15 p.m.
At 11:08 a.m., radar indicated that heavy rain was falling at a rate of 2 to 3 inches per hour on already
saturated grounds. Flash flooding is expected to begin shortly.
Locations in the warning include but are not limited to:
Hilo
Kailua-Kona
Hawaiian Paradise Park
Captain Cook
Honaunau
Kea‘au
Pōhakuloa Training Area
Na‘alehu
Pōhakuloa Camp
Hawaiian Ocean View
Pāhoa
Pepe‘ekeo
A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads and low-lying areas. Move to higher ground now.
Do not cross fast flowing water in your vehicle… or on foot. Turn around… don’t drown.
This warning may need to be extended beyond 2:15 p.m. if heavy rain persists.
UPDATE 2, Dec. 2, 11 a.m.
Several roads in Hilo have been closed due to heavy flooding
Kamehameha Avenue is closed in both directions from Ponahawai Street to Manono Street.
The intersection of Pauahi Street and Aupuni Street is closed in both directions.
Bayfront Highway is closed in the Hilo direction at the intersection with Waianuenue Avenue.
UPDATE 1: Dec. 2, 8:10 a.m.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the Big Island
until 11:15 a.m.
At 8:07 a.m., rain gage reports indicated heavy rain falling across north and south Hilo Districts, and Puna and Ka‘ū Districts.
Rain was falling at a rate of 3 to 4 inches per hour. Flash flooding is expected to begin shortly.
Locations in the warning include but are not limited to:
Hilo
Hawaiian Paradise Park
Kea‘au
Na‘alehu
Hawaiian Ocean View
Pāhoa
Pepe‘ekeo
Pahala
Glenwood
Hawaiian Acres
Kawa Flats
Mountain View
A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads and low-lying areas. Move to higher ground now.
Do not cross fast flowing water in your vehicle… or on foot. Turn around… don’t drown.
This warning may need to be extended beyond 11:15 a.m. if heavy rain persists.
This Flash Flood Warning replaces the previously issued Flood Advisory that was in effect for portions of the Osland of Hawaii.
ORIGINAL POST: Dec. 2, 7:35 a.m.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flood Advisory for the Island of Hawai‘i until 1015 a.m.
At 713 a.m., radar indicated heavy rain in the Puna and Ka‘ū Districts.
Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.
Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to:
Hilo
Hawaiian Paradise Park
Honomu
Kea‘au
Na‘alehu…
O‘okala
Hawaiian Ocean View
Pāhoa
Pepe‘ekeo
Pahala
Glenwood
Hawaiian Acres
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.
Turn around… don’t drown.
This advisory may need to be extended beyond 1015 a.m. if heavy rain persists.
This advisory replaces the previously issued advisory that was in effect for portions of the island of Hawai‘i.
A Flash Flood Watch is also in effect for all of Hawai‘i through Sunday.
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