UPDATE: Flood advisory canceled for portions of East Hawai‘i as radar shows rainfall, flood threat diminished

Update at 5:46 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026: National Weather Service radar shows heavy rainfall has diminished over portions of North/South Hilo and Puna. Therefore, forecasters canceled a flood advisory originally in effect until 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

However, a flood watch remains in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday, March 22, for the Big Island.

Much of the focus has been on O‘ahu and Maui County since Thursday, March 19, as a second kona low in a week struck the islands, producing dangerous flash flooding in several areas on those islands.

The heavy rain Saturday afternoon — including a thunderstorm that moved over the Hilo area — marked the first volley of inclement weather from the new kona low on the Big Island.

Keep an eye on Big Island Now for additional updates as the storm continues to impact Hawai’i Island. Be sure to also check the Big Island Now Weather page for the best local weather information and stories.

Visit the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website to get the latest advisories, watches and warnings, as well as forecast updates for you community.

Story originally posted at 3:37 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026: A flood advisory is in effect until 6:30 p.m. today, March 21, for portions of North and South Hilo as well as Puna because of the likelihood of flooding on roads and in poor drainage areas and streams caused by excessive rainfall.

Radar indicated at 3:20 p.m. Saturday heavy rain falling at up to 1 inch per hour over North and South Hilo as well as parts of Puna, along windward portions of Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road and Highway 200.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Pāpaʻikou, Pepe‘ekeo, Honomū, Hakalau, Mountain View, Nīnole, Kea‘au, Glenwood, Laupāhoehoe, Hawaiian Acres, Orchidland Estates, ʻŌʻōkala, Wainaku in Hilo, Paukaʻa, Kurtistown, Fern Acres, ʻĀinaloa and Hawaiian Beaches.

The public is advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding.