UPDATE 2: Strong Thunderstorms, Flash Flooding, Wind, Hail to Hit Big Island

UPDATE 2: 3:22 p.m.

At 3:21 p.m., a strong thunderstorm was located near the
town of Volcano, or 25 miles south of Hilo, moving east at 5 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph are possible with this storm.

Locations impacted include Volcano, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Kalapana and Fern Forest.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.

Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm.

Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.

UPDATE1 : March 27, 3 p.m.

The National Weather Service has now issued a Flash Flood Advisory for Hawai‘i Island through the rest of today.

A Flash Flood Advisory means that rainy conditions may cause minor flooding in low-lying areas.

The National Weather Service reports heavy rainfall over the Ka‘ū, Puna, and Hilo Districts at this time.

Due to the Flash Flood Advisory, the following are issued:

• Police Department reports that all roads are open at this time.
• Motorists in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution while driving. Road closures may occur without notice.
• If lightning threatens your area, the safest place to be is indoors.

ORIGINAL POST

The National Weather Service in Honolulu reported at 2:55 p.m., Tuesday, March, 27, 2018, that a strong thunderstorm will affect parts of Hawai‘i County.

At 2:23 p.m., a strong thunderstorm was located over Hawaiian Acres, or 12 miles south of Hilo, moving east at 5 mph.

Another thunderstorm was located 5 miles southwest of Volcano, moving east at 5 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail are possible with these storms.

Locations impacted include Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Acres, Orchidland Estates,
Glenwood, Kea‘au, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, Pāhoa, Mountain View, Kalapana, Fern Forest, Hawaiian Beaches, Nanawale Estates, Kurtistown, Eden Roc, Kapoho, Leilani Estates, Fern Acres and Ainaloa.

Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is occurring with this storm.

Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm.

Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.