Flash Floods Close Belt Highway, May Impact Ka´u, Puna Districts Through Monday

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a flash flood warning for much of Hawaii County through 2 pm Monday.

At 11:30 am, radar and rain gages indicated that rainfall has intensified over the Ka´u and Puna Districts of the Big Island. Peak rain rates have reached 2 to 3 inches per hour near Mountain View and Pahala. Hawai´i County Civil Defense reported that the Belt Highway near Kawa Flats has been partially closed. Continued runoff may completely close the highway.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Wood Valley, Volcano, Pahala, Glenwood, Punaluu Beach, Kawa Flats, Mountain View, Naalehu, Hawaiian Acres, Orchidlands Estates, Keaau, Pahoa, Hawaiian Ocean View, Papaikou, Fern Forest and Eden Roc.

Flooding is expected across drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas. Public road closures are possible in some areas. Landslides are possible in steep terrain.

Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are currently dry. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown.