What you need to know about the Kona storm Friday on the Big Island

Editor’s note: This page will be continuously updated throughout the day.

A flood watch and wind advisory remain in place for all districts on Hawai‘i Island, with conditions expected to escalate through the weekend, according to the latest message from the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency this morning.

Ka‘ū, Puna, Kohala and Kona Districts should prepare for possible damaging winds and poor driving conditions.

Current weather advisories

Flood watch: In effect islandwide through Sunday night (March 15).

Wind advisory for lower elevations: Southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph expected with gusts of 50 mph. In effect until Sunday morning (March 15).

Winter storm warning: In effect for Big Island summits until 6 p.m. on Saturday (March 14).

High wind warning: Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are also under a high wind warning until 6 p.m. on March 15.

Special marine warning: In effect until 10:45 today from 6 nm southwest of South Point to near Isaac Hale Beach Park, moving north at 15 knots.

Stay informed

Hawaiʻi County will provide updates as conditions evolve. Residents can also receive emergency notifications by signing up for Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense alerts.

View the Hawaiʻi County Hazard Impact Map for additional weather-related information.

Closures and cancellations

• All non-emergency services and operations for Hawai‘i County are closed today and Saturday (March 13-14). This affects all county offices as well as park facilities, including Hilo Municipal Golf Course and Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens plus all solid waste facilities.
• All Hawai‘i State Parks are closed. Visit the Hawaiʻi State Parks web page for updates about storm-related park closures.
• Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has also reported closures, including Mauna Loa Summit.
• All Hawai‘i Public Libraries are closed.
• All public and charter schools are closed.
• Hawaiʻi Judiciary facilities and services, as well as state offices, are closed. 
• All fixed route Hele-On buses and Paratransit services are canceled on Saturday. Fixed route cancellations and modifications for Friday can be viewed on the Hele-On X page or by calling 808-961-8744, ext. 1. Call 808-640-1020 for additional paratransit updates.
• Camping permits at county parks also are canceled from Friday through Monday morning (March 16).

Stay up-to-date on weather by visiting https://bigislandnow.com/weather/.