UPDATE: Flash Flood Warning downgraded to a Watch

This story was updated at 9:04 p.m. on Dec. 19.

The National Weather Service has downgraded the Flash Flood Warning to a Flash Flood Watch.

Flood waters have receded. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat.

The Flood Watch remains in effect until 6 a.m.

Additionally, a High Surf Advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday for Kona and Kohala shores. 

Large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet are expected. Impacts are expected to be moderate. Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming dangerous.

This story was updated at 8:08 p.m. on Dec. 19.

The National Weather Service has extended the flash flood warning to 9 p.m.

At 7:56 p.m., Big Island Civil Defense reported road closures along Highway 190 between Mile Marker 4 and 5 and in the Kawaihae and Waikoloa areas due to standing water. Water levels remain elevated in the Waiaha stream, which will persist through the evening hours before lowering.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Kailua-Kona, Captain Cook, Waikōloa Village, Kapaau, Hōlualoa, Puuanahulu, Honalo, Kainaliu, Kealakekua, Kahaluu-Keauhou, Kalaoa, Pōhakuloa Training Area, Hōnaunau, Puako, Kawaihae, Kamuela, Kohala Ranch, Waipio Valley, Waimanu Valley and Pololu Valley.

Additionally, the National Weather Service has canceled the Severe Thunderstorm Watch.

Previous update at 4:58 p.m. on Dec. 19.

Old Māmalahoa Highway in Ahualoa is closed at Puano Road and Palikekua due to fallen trees and power lines. Access areas between through Kapuna Road.

This story was updated at 4:21 p.m. on Dec. 19.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Kona, South and North Kohala till 5 p.m.

At 4:08 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Kawaihae, moving east with wind gusts of 70 mph and quarter-size hail. Locations impacted include: Kailua-Kona, Pa‘auilo, Waipio Valley, Pu‘uanahulu, Kamuela, Honoka‘a, Waikoloa Village, Laupahoehoe, O‘okala, Kohala Ranch, Kalaoa and Waimanu Valley.

Hail damage to vehicles is expected as well as considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to roofs and outbuildings.

A flash flood warning was also issued for North Kona and South and North Kohala till 7 p.m.

A High Wind Warning is also in effect till 6 a.m. Tuesday for portions of the Big Island.

The National Weather Service said Southwest winds of 30 to 45 mph with localized gusts over
60 mph are expected.

Previous update:

The National Weather Service has issued Special Marine Warning has been issued for Alenuihaha Channel and Big Island’s leeward and windward waters till 5 p.m.

At 2:58 p.m., strong thunderstorms were located near Hawī. Other strong thunderstorms located beyond 40 nautical miles west of Kona, will be moving into the leeward Big Island waters soon. Hazards include wind gusts to nearly 50 knots and hail.

Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves. Areas impacted include Honokohau Harbor, Keahole Point and Upolu Point.

NWS advises those on the water to prepare for gusty winds, steep and fast-building seas, and blinding downpours. Stay low or go below, and make sure all on board are wearing life jackets.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. for Hawaiʻi.

Additionally, a Flash Flood Warning has been issued for North and South Kohala until 6:15 p.m.

At 3:08 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain over the slopes of the Kohala Mountains. The highest rain rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour were falling on saturated ground over Hawī, the Akoni Pule
Highway, and the Kohala Mountain Road. The heavy rainfall is spreading southeastward toward Kawaihae.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Waikōloa Village, Kapaʻau, Kawaihae, Kohala Ranch, Puako, Kamuela, Pololu Valley, Waimanu Valley, Waipiʻo Valley, Halaula, Hawī, Kukuihaele, Mauna Lani, Waikoloa Beach, Waikiʻi and Mahukona.

Impacts include flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas. Public road closures are possible in some areas. Landslides are possible in steep terrain.

Additionally, a strong thunderstorm will impact North Kohala

At 3:15 p.m., Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Halaula and Hawi, or 40 miles north of Kailua-Kona, moving northeast at 30 mph.

The National Weather Service reports wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and half-inch hail.

Locations impacted include: Kapaʻau, Pololu Valley, Kohala Ranch, Hawī, Halaula, Waimanu Valley and Kawaihae.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM HST for
Hawaii.

Previous update:

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the Kona area until 8 p.m.

According to NWS, severe thunderstorms produce damaging winds of 58 mph or higher or destructive hail in the size of quarters or larger.

This story was updated at 11:18 a.m. on Dec. 19.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flash Flood Warning for areas of West Hawaiʻi till 1:30 p.m. The warning replaces the previously issued Flood Advisory that was in effect for Hawaii County. This warning may need to be extended beyond 1:30 p.m. if flooding persists.

At 11:04 a.m., radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain falling over the west side of the Big Island. The highest of rain rates were 1 to 2 inches per hour over the South Kohala and North Kona Districts. This rain is occurring over ground saturated from earlier rainfall. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly, especially along the Kohala Mountain Road, Highway 190 near Mile Mark 5 and 6 and Puako.

Locations that will experience flash flooding are Kailua-Kona, Captain Cook, Waikōloa Village, Kapaʻau, Puʻuanahulu, Hōlualoa, Honalo, Kalaoa, Pōhakuloa Training Area, Kainaliu, Kahaluʻu-Keauhou, Kealakekua, Puako, Hōnaunau, Kawaihae, Kamuela, Kohala Ranch, Waipiʻo Valley, Waimanu Valley and Pololu Valley.

Impacts include flooding in 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.

This story was updated at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 19.

The National Weather Service has extended its flood advisory for the north and west side of the Big Island until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 19.

A flood watch also is in effect for Hawaiʻi County through early Tuesday morning.

Expect high winds and thunderstorms with heavy rains to continue throughout today for all parts of the Big Island, according to an alert from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense.

Road closures have been reported in North Kohala on Highway 250 (Kohala Mountain Road) near the 16 Mile Marker — and on Highway 270 (Akoni Pule Hwy) near the 24 and 26 Mile Markers, in Honoka`a on Lehua Street, and on Highway 130 at the 12 Mile Marker in Puna.

Road crews are responding. Expect delays in these areas until debris is removed and roadways are cleared.

Waipiʻo Valley Road will remain closed today, except for residents and farmers.

At 10:17 a.m. on Monday, radar indicated a new band of heavy rain has moved onshore from the southwest. Rain rates were 1 to 2 inches per hour over portions of the North Kona and South Kohala Districts. Rainfall is expected to continue into the afternoon over the west side of the Big Island.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Some locations that will experience flooding include: Kailua-Kona, Captain Cook, Waikōloa Village, Kapaʻau, Puʻuanahulu, Holualoa, Honalo, Kalaoa, Pohakuloa TrainingArea, Kainaliu, Kahaluu-Keauhou, Kealakekua, Puako, Honaunau, Kawaihae, Kamuela, Kohala Ranch, Waipiʻo Valley, Waimanu Valley and Pololu Valley.

Stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding. Do not cross fast-flowing water. Turn around don’t drown.