UPDATE: Snow on Summits, Flood Watch Continues for Big Island

UPDATE: 1:08 p.m.

The National Weather Service has continued its Flash Flood Watch through Thursday for the Island of Hawai‘i.

A Flash Flood Watch means flooding is possible.

Due to the Flash Flood Watch, you are advised to be on the alert for the possibility of heavy rains, thunder, lightning and flooding conditions starting today.

The National Weather Service also issued a Winter Storm Warning for the summit areas of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa through Thursday. Heavy snow and strong winds are forecasted for these areas.

Due to these advisories, the following are issued until further notice:

• Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has closed Mauna Loa summit to back country travel.
• Office of Mauna Kea Management has closed the Mauna Kea Access Road to the public above the Visitor Center.
• As in all severe weather conditions, expect possible interruptions in your utility services.
• Should power outages occur, be on the alert for malfunctioning traffic signals. Treat flashing traffic lights as a four-way stop.
• If lightning does threaten your area, the safest place to be is indoors.

ORIGINAL POST

A Flash Flood Watch and Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the Big Island on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 9:30 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch starting this afternoon through Thursday for the Island of Hawai‘i.

A Flash Flood Watch means flooding is possible.

Due to the Flash Flood Watch, all persons are advised to be on the alert for possibility of heavy rains and flooding conditions starting this afternoon.

The National Weather Service also issued a Winter Storm Warning for the summit areas of Maunakea and Mauna Loa through Thursday. Heavy snow and strong winds are forecasted for these areas.

Due to the Winter Storm Warning, the following are issued until further notice:

• Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has closed Mauna Loa summit to backcountry travel.
• Office of Mauna Kea Management has closed the Mauna Kea Access Road to the public above the Visitor Center.