Update: Flood watch continues through tonight

Dec. 1 12:18 update: Hawaiʻi County is issuing a Friday update regarding the Kona Low weather pattern that began impacting Hawaiʻi Island on Nov. 30.

As of this morning, Dec. 1, the County remains under a Flood Watch through 6 p.m. tonight. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. The Hawaiʻi County Emergency Operation Center will remain partially activated throughout the day and is expected to wind down operations early this evening. 

As a result of excessive moisture, the following parks will be closed for the remainder of the day and are anticipated to be reopened tomorrow during regular operating hours: Piʻihonua Gym, Honokaʻa Complex, and the Pāpaʻikou Gym.

In addition, the covered play court at the William Billy Kenoi Park in Pāhoa will remain closed until further notice. No significant interruptions to programs or events are anticipated.  

Additionally, the Waipiʻo Valley Access Road is clear and open to all Hawaiʻi Island residents with four-wheel drive, hard-topped vehicles.

Hele-on bus service has resumed all services and programs, as scheduled. The Mass Transit Agency asks riders to follow their X at @heleonbus to keep up with route changes and services. 

Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency has begun assessing damages and is asking residents who have suffered flood damage to their property to call Civil Defense at 808-935-0031 or go to the Civil Defense website https://arcg.is/1b8CS1 to report the damage.

Shower coverage is expected to gradually diminish over the weekend, although the potential for some locally heavy showers may persist as the Kona Low lingers.

Original post: The winter weather advisory for Big Island summits is canceled, however, a flood watch remains in effect throughout the afternoon with thunderstorms possible.

As heavy rain may continue today, motorists are advised to exercise caution when driving and remain alert for flooding conditions.

All roads closed for this flood event are open. Waipi‘o Valley Road is open to Hawai‘i residents.

The Pāhoa Regional Park will remain closed through the weekend. Honoka‘a, Papa‘ikou, and Pi‘ihonua Gyms will be closed today to clear storm debris.

If you suffered flood damage to your property, call Civil Defense at 808-935-0031 or go to the Civil Defense website https://arcg.is/1b8CS1 to report the damage. Report all damage by Dec. 4.