Flood Advisory Issued For The Big Island

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a flood advisory for the Big Island.

According to a NWS alert, the advisory will be in effect until 8:15 p.m. today, Feb. 17, and might need to be extended if flooding persists.

At 5:10 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain over Kaʻū slopes above Highway 11 between the 44- and 70-mile markers. Rain was falling at a rate of 1-2 inches per hour, according to the weather service.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Punaluʻu Beach, Pāhala, Kawa Flats, Wood Valley, Nāʻālehu, Hawaiian Ocean View, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Waiʻōhinu, Discovery Harbour and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Park Kahuku
Unit.

The flooding is being caused by excessive rainfall. Residents in the affected areas should expect minor flooding on roads and in poor drainage areas and streams. The NWS advises residents to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding.