UPDATE: Flood Watch Issued for Big Island, State

Big Island Now stock photo.

UPDATE: April 28, 2017, 3:45 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the summits of Hawai‘i Island starting Saturday, April 29.

In addition, a Flash Flood Watch for Hawaii Island is now in effect through the weekend.

A Flash Flood Watch means flash flooding is possible, but not imminent.

Heavy showers and thunderstorms may cause flooding. Be aware of debris, runoff, and ponding of water. If lightning threatens your area, power outages may occur, and, the safest place to be is indoors.

PREVIOUS POST: April 28, 2017, 3:37 p.m.

A Flash Flood Watch is now in effect for the Big Island, Kaho‘olawe, Lana‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i and O‘ahu through Sunday afternoon.

A front will stall over the area at the same time a potent low aloft moves overhead, bringing slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms that could result in flash-flooding.

While forecast models currently indicate the greatest threat for flooding will occur over Maui County, the Big Island and O‘ahu also have the potential to receive flooding rain.

Heavy rain is expected to be widespread, especially in Maui County this weekend.

Rain will affect windward areas, while also impacting urban and leeward areas, which are more
susceptible to flooding problems, especially in south and west Maui.

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.