UPDATE 4: Flash Flood Warning Continues

Update 4, Aug. 25, 2018, 6 p.m.: Flash Flood Warning Continues

The National Weather Service reports that the Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for Hawai‘i Island.

Rain will continue through the weekend so be careful when traveling on the roads. Closures may occur without any notice.

For your additional information:

The United States Postal Service reports that all post offices except Pepeekeo Post Office will deliver mail tomorrow. However, there are no retail services or mail pickup from blue USPS mail boxes.

State Highways reports that Highway 19 at mile marker 28-29 (Kaawalii Gulch) remains closed. This closure is to allow crews to remove a dangerous boulder from the hillside. It is unknown at this time how long the highway will be closed.

State Highways has installed a temporary traffic light on Highway 11 near mile marker 30 (Volcano Golf Course) due to a one lane closure. This closure will allow crews to make repairs to earthquake and flood damaged sections of the highway. Repairs are expected to last about two weeks.

The current map of road closures can be found here.

Update 3: 3 p.m.: Flash Flood Warning Extended to 5 PM

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the Flash Flood Warning for in Hawai‘i County until 5 p.m.

This warning is for the northeast and southeast sides of the Big Island from Hawi to Hilo to South Point.

At 1:45 p.m., radar and rain gages showed areas of heavy rain continuing to move across the east side of the Big Island from the southeast. Rain rates were about 1 inch per hour. Any additional
heavy rain on the fully saturated ground will cause rapid increases of water levels in streams and drainages.

AVOID UNNECESSARY ROAD TRAVEL due to ongoing flood impacts.

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 5 p.m. if heavy rain persists.

Update 2, 10:45 a.m.: Flash Flood Warning Extended to 2 PM

Flash Flood Warning for the island of Hawai‘i County until 2 p.m.

This warning is for the northeast and southeast sides of the Big Island from Hawi to Hilo to South Point.

At 10:38 a.m., radar and rain gages showed an area of heavy rain moving across the lower Puna and South Hilo Districts from the southeast. Rain rates were around 1 inch per hour. Any additional heavy rain on the fully saturated ground will cause rapid increases of water levels in streams and drainages.

AVOID UNNECESSARY ROAD TRAVEL due to ongoing flood impacts.

Update 1, 8 a.m.: Flash Flood Warning Extended to 11 AM

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the Flash Flood Warning for Hawai‘i County to 11 a.m.

This warning is for the northeast and southeast sides of the Big Island from Hawi to Hilo to South Point.

At 7:44 a.m., radar and gages showed that rainfall activity remains low over the Big Island. However, runoff levels are still high and flood impacts are ongoing. In addition, a band of heavy rainfall will be moving onshore from the east. This rain on fully saturated ground will cause rapid increases of water levels in streams and drainages.

AVOID UNNECESSARY ROAD TRAVEL.

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 11 a.m. if heavy rain persists.

ORIGINAL POST: Aug. 25, 2018, 6:27 a.m.: Flash Flood Warning Extended for Big Island

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the Flash Flood Warning for Hawai‘i County until 8 a.m., Aug. 25, 2018.

This warning is for the windward side of the Big Island from Hawi to Honoka‘a to Hilo to Ke‘eau to Volcano to Pahala to South Point.

At 5:30 a.m., radar and rain gages indicated that rain intensity and coverage had diminished significantly over the Ka‘ū and Puna Districts, with only light showers observed.

However, runoff and localized flooding are ongoing. Numerous road closures continue, including a full closure of Highway 11 in Ka‘ū, and partial closures of Saddle Road, and Highway 130 near Keeau.

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 8 a.m. if heavy rain persists.