Flood watch canceled for all Hawaiian Islands
Update 4:18 a.m., Sept. 18, 2026: The National Weather Service canceled the flood watch for all Hawaiian Islands.
Its latest advisory at 3 a.m. said the threat of heavy rainfall is diminishing. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat.
Update No. 2 at 9:48 p.m. Sept. 17, 2026: National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu say weather radar shows heavy rainfall has diminished over South Hilo, Puna and Kaʻū.
Therefore, the flood advisory previously set to expire at 11:15 p.m. instead was canceled.
Flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat.
Story first updated at 8:16 p.m. Sept. 17, 2026: The flood advisory in effect for several locations of the Big Island was extended until 11:15 p.m. Thursday as excessive rainfall is forecast to continue, causing minor flooding on roads and in poor drainage areas and streams.
National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu reported that shortly before 8 p.m. doppler radar and automated rain gauges continued to indicate moderate to locally heavy rain falling over South Hilo, Puna and Kaʻū — at half-inch to an inch per hour.
Minor flooding could still persist for the next several hours despite thunderstorms weakening and stream gauges plateauing.
Some locations that will experience flooding include Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Volcano, Glenwood, Mountain View, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiian Acres, Orchidland, Keaau, Pāhoa and Wood Valley.
The public is advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding.
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense also advised earlier:
- Flooding can be life-threatening. Residents in flood-prone areas should remain alert for flooding conditions.
- Drive with caution. Be on alert for runoff, ponding water, debris and poor visibility.
- Do not attempt to cross flowing water in a vehicle or on foot; turn around, don’t drown.
- If lightning threatens your area, the safest place to be is indoors.
A flood watch also remains in effect until Friday morning for the entire state.
