Update: High Surf Warning extended; all major roadways open

This story was updated at 4:20 p.m. on Dec. 20.

The National Weather Service has canceled the High Wind Advisory for most of the Big Island.

Winds will remain breezy into early Tuesday evening, but they have decreased below advisory thresholds.

But a High Wind Warning remains in effect for the Big Island summits through 6 a.m. Wednesday.

The National Weather Service has extended its High Surf Warning till 6 p.m. Wednesday for Kona and Kohala shores.

Surf is peaking at 10 to 14 feet this afternoon and will gradually lower to 8 to 12 feet Wednesday.

Beachgoers should expect very strong breaking waves and powerful currents leading to the potential for impacts to coastal properties, infrastructure, and vulnerable coastal roadways. Powerful longshore and rip currents will be present at most beaches.

This story was updated at 2 p.m. on Dec. 20.

The National Weather Service extended the High Wind Warning for Hawaii Island through this evening. A High Surf Warning is in place for the west-facing shores of Hawaii Island through Wednesday evening. 

Highway 19 is open as are all other major roadways. Other roads closed include Old Māmalahoa Highway between Mauna Loa Street and Puaono Road mauka of Honokaa and Honokaa to Waipio Valley for local traffic only.

Roads may close without warning throughout the day due to high winds. If your home or business was damaged by wind or rain Monday evening, report your damage to Hawaii County Civil Defense online at https://arcg.is/1b8CS1. 

This story was updated at 1:43 p.m. on Dec. 20.

Honokaa-Waipio Road (Highway 240) is open to local traffic as utility companies do repairs. 

This story was updated at 12:56 p.m.

Highway 19 at the 46-mile marker is open in both directions between Honokaa and Waimea. Old Māmalahoa Highway through Ahualoa remains closed.

The National Weather Service has extended its High Surf Warning till 6 p.m. Wednesday for Kona and Kohala shores.

Surf is peaking at 10 to 14 feet this afternoon and will gradually lower to 8 to 12 feet Wednesday.

Beachgoers should expect very strong breaking waves and powerful currents leading to the potential for impacts to coastal properties, infrastructure, and vulnerable coastal roadways. Powerful longshore and rip currents will be present at most beaches.

This story was updated at 12:28 p.m. on Dec. 20.

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Parks on the Big Island will remain closed today due to storm damage and hazardous high surf conditions. Work crews will be in the park to clear fallen trees and repair damage to coastal trail systems.

Cultural resource crews also are surveying the park for any damage. Both parks are expected to reopen on Wednesday.

This story was updated at 11:19 a.m. on Dec. 20.

Punaluʻu Beach Park, Mahukona Beach Park, Honokaʻa Pool, and the bathrooms at the Waipiʻo Valley lookout are closed due to safety factors directly associated with rain and winds. The shelters in Waimea and Kona that were opened last night are closed, and Hawaiʻi County has resumed regular day-to-day services. The County will notify the community when facilities and parks are reopened.

This story was updated at 10:16 a.m. on Dec. 20.

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory till 6 p.m. The High Wind Warning is canceled.

West winds of 20 to 30 mph with localized gusts over 45 mph are expected for the island’s interior as well as south, southeast and north on the Big Island.

Winds this strong can tear off shingles, knock down tree branches, blow away tents and awnings and make it difficult to drive, especially for drivers of high-profile vehicles.

Previous update:

Both lanes remain closed on Highway. 19, at the 46-mile marker, west of Honoka’a Town due to multiple fallen trees. Crews are on scene. The estimated length of time for the closure is approximately 10 hours.

Old Māmalahoa Highway through Ahualoa is also closed. Use the Daniel K. Inouye Highway for cross-island travel.

Additionally, Māmalahoa Highway at the 70-mile marker from Kahuku National Park to South Point Road is now open in both directions.

Honokaa-Waipio Road (Highway 240) is closed at the 4-mile marker due to a fallen utility pole.  Traffic is being rerouted near Lehua Street. 

Kīpukapuaulu Trail in Volcanoes National park has reopened after adverse weather forced it to close on Monday. Mauna Loa Road has reopened to pedestrians and cyclists to the second cattle guard.

This story was updated at 5 a.m. on Dec. 20.

The National Weather Service also has issued a high wind warning for portions of the Big Island, including the interior of the island, the south and the southeast and north until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20.

Expect west winds 25 to 40 mph, with localized gusts of more than 60 mph.

This has caused multiple road closures on the Big Island. For information about road closures, hazards, services, and other Hawaiʻi County impacts, residents can download the Kāhea App, available on both Apple and Andriod devices. Further, residents can visit the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Hazard Map at https://tinyurl.com/ykyvw3bb.

At 5 a.m. Tuesday, Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) near the 70-mile marker has reopened in both direction after being closed for several hours.

Here are the current road closures, which will change throughout the day:

• Fallen trees have led to the closure of both lanes on Highway 19, Hawaiʻi Belt Road, just west of Honokaʻa. Hawaiʻi County road crews are removing the debris, which could take several hours. Use the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) for cross-island travel.

• Kohala Mountain Road is closed due to debris in the roadway. Highway crews are posted at the Waiaka Bridge intersection to detour Kohala-bound traffic. Please use other routes to go to Kohala. The duration of the closure is not known. 

• Highway 19 at mile marker 35 near Paauilo.

• Palani Road vicinity 36 mile marker.

• Waikoloa Road vicinity Paniolo intersection.

• Kawaihae Road vicinity of Akulani.

• Alii Drive vicinity Laaloa Beach Park.

Damaging winds may also damage roofs. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Stay away from downed power lines.

Hawaiʻi County officials have opened two shelters as severe weather continues to impact residents on Hawaiʻi Island. The shelters are located at the Old Airport Gymnasium parking lot in Kailua-Kona and the Waimea Community Center in North Hawaiʻi.

Shelters will remain open until further notice.

The National Weather Services has issued a high surf advisory for west-facing shores of the Big Island until 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet, with strong currents, will make swimming dangerous.

Head all advice from ocean safety officials. When in doubt, don’t go out.

While these waves are big, they are small in comparison to the 30- to 40-foot waves expected in other parts of the Hawaiian Islands.

The flood watch for the Big Island was cancelled Tuesday morning.