6 AM: Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Update

Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, 6 AM: Tropical Storm Warning Continues for Big Island

The Tropical Storm Warning issued by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center continues for Hawai‘i County.

The windward side of Hawai‘i Island is currently under a flash flood warning and experiencing conditions of heavy rains and flooding.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center reports that as of 5 a.m., Hurricane Lane is a Category 2 hurricane located approximately 145 miles WSW of Kailua-Kona with sustained winds of 110 mph, moving north at approximately 7 mph.

Due to the slowing of the hurricane, dangerous heavy rains and flooding may persist for a period of time on the windward side of the Big Island.

Due to the flash flooding, the following major roads are closed:

Highway 19: both lanes are closed at mile marker 6

Saddle Road: As of 6:15 a.m., Saddle Road is now partially open between the 8 and 12 mile markers. Traffic is alternating one lane, following a pilot car. Drive with extreme caution.

Highway 270 (Kohala Mountain Road): mile marker 13

Numerous secondary roads in Hilo, Puna, and Hāmākua are closed so stay alert. Multiple other landslides are occurring on Highway 19 and other closures can occur without notice. At this time, Highway 11 is the only way to travel across the island.

Conditions are being monitored and you will be kept informed of major closures as best as possible.

This is a very dangerous situation and heavy rains are expected to continue on the windward side of the Big Island.