Update: National Weather Service warns about severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts

This story was updated at 10:09 a.m. Jan. 31.

Update at 9:57 a.m. Jan. 31: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued new speical marine warnings for southeast and windward waters off the Big Island until 10:30 a.m. and windward waters until 11 a.m., with swirling columns of water now a possibility as strong to severe thunderstorms continue moving to the northeast.

Portions of Lower Puna also were being battered by a strong thunderstorm, with wind gusts of up to 40 mph capable of knocking down tree limbs and blowing around unsecured objects.

The storm was expected to impact locations including Pāhoa, Leilani Estates, Isaac Hale Beach Park, Nānāwale Estates, Hawaiian Beaches and Kalapana until about 10:15 a.m.

Radar indicated at 9:25 a.m. severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts were located along a line extending to the southeast along a line off Puna and Kaʻū, moving northeast at 35 knots (about 40 mph). Wind gusts of 34 knots (about 40 mph) or stronger also have been observed.

Additional severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts also were indicated on radar at 9:52 a.m. located along a line extending from near Cape Kumukahi in Lower Puna to about 6 nautical miles southeast of a fish aggregating device, or FAD, buoy. They were moving northeast at 35 knots and also producing wind gusts of 34 knots or stronger.

Waterspouts form suddenly. They can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

Locations impacted include Cape Kumukahi in Lower Puna and a fish aggregating device, or FAD, buoy in the waters covered by the warning.

Seafarers and the public should prepare for gusty winds, steep and fast-building seas and blinding downpours. Stay low or go below, and make sure — if you are on a vessel in the affected waters — all of those aboard are wearing life jackets.

If you encounter a waterspout, seek safe harbor immediately.

Original post from 9 a.m. Jan. 31: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a special marine warning for southeast and windward waters of the Big Island until 9:30 a.m. as hazardous weather conditions related to a strong winter weather continue to impact the island and the waters around it.

Radar indicated at 8:33 a.m. strong thunderstorms located along a line extending southeast over waters off the Puna and Kaʻū districts, producing wind gusts of 34 knots (about 40 mph) or stronger, moving east at 20 knots (about 23 mph).

Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

Locations impacted include will include Cape Kumukahi in Lower Puna and several fish aggregating device, or FAD, buoy areas.

Seafarers and the public should prepare for gusty winds, steep and fast-building seas and blinding downpours. Stay low or go below, and make sure — if you are on a vessel in the affected waters — all of those aboard are wearing life jackets.

A flash flood warning also remains in effect until 11 a.m. for portions of North and South Kohala, North and South Kona, Kaʻū and Puna.