PHOTOS: Flash Flood Warning Extended for Big Island

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the Flash Flood Warning for Hawai‘i County until 12:45 p.m.

At 9:23 a.m., radar showed heavy rain continuing over the east side of the Big Island. The highest rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour were occurring over the lower portions of the Puna and South Hilo Districts.

Highway 19 was closed at several spots north of Hilo.

Akoni Pule Highway remains closed at mile marker 25 due to a landslide.

Additional bands of heavy rain will continue to move over the Big Island from the south.

AVOID UNNECESSARY TRAVEL DUE TO ONGOING FLOOD IMPACTS.

Locations in the warning include but are not limited to Hilo, Pa‘auilo, Waipio Valley, Hawi, Pepe‘ekeo, Kea‘au, Honoka‘a, O‘okala, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Mountain View and Pāhoa.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

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 12:45 p.m. if heavy rain persists.

Flooding in Downtown Hilo caused by Hurricane Lane. Aug. 23, 2018, Hurricane Lane. PC: Crystal Richard

The Wailuku River in Hilo overflowed its banks, flooding a nearby home on Pi‘ihonua Road above Boiling Pots yesterday evening, Aug. 23, 2018.

A special response came and helped us retrieve important belongings, and told us we had to leave,” said resident Shaiann Kang. “It wasn’t safe at that point.”

Kang said she had about 10 minutes to rummage through her house, adding that other evacuations were underway in the area.

Pi‘ihonu Bridge over Wailuku River, Aug. 23, 2018, Hurricane Lane. PC: Crystal Richard

Wailuku River, Aug. 23, 2018, Hurricane Lane. PC: Crystal Richard

Hilo Bay, Aug. 23, 2018, Hurricane Lane. PC: Crystal Richard

Carvalho Park, Aug. 23, 2018, Hurricane Lane. PC: Crystal Richard