UPDATE 3: Power Outages Due to Lightning & Wind

NOAA/NWS radar image, March 26, 2-18, 1:30 p.m.

UPDATE 3: March 26, 2018, 4:15 p.m.

Avoid Pohai Street between Ohuohu and Mikioi Streets due to weather-related damages and power outages from downed lines.

Utility crews are on scene performing repairs.

Please drive with caution through other roadways as heavy ponding is present in many areas.

UPDATE 2: March 26, 2018, 3 p.m.

Police report numerous areas in Hilo and Puna with power outages due to high winds and lightning hits. Be advised that HELCO crews are responding at this time.

National Weather Service expects this thunderstorm to gradually decrease this afternoon as this is a very fast-moving storm.

Continue to be on the alert for the possibility of strong gusty winds and heavy showers.

If lightning threatens your area, stay indoors.

UPDATE: March 26, 2018, 2:15 p.m.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Hawai‘i County until 2:15 p.m.

At 1:41 PM HST, a severe thunderstorm was located near Fern Forest, moving northeast at 25 mph.

HAZARD: 60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.

Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include Volcano, Hawaiian Acres, Orchidlands Estates, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Glenwood, Pāhoa, Mountain View and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Stay away from windows.

ORIGINAL POST: March 26, 2018, 12:42 p.m.

The National Weather Service reports that a strong thunderstorm is affecting Hawai‘i County on Monday, March 26, 2018.

At 12:34 p.m., a strong thunderstorm was located near Na‘alehu, or 49 miles southeast of Kailua-Kona, moving northeast at 25 mph.

Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail are possible with this storm.

Locations impacted included in this alert include: Na‘alehu, Pahala, Wood Valley, Kawa Flats, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiian Ocean View, Punalu‘u Beach, Volcano, Discovery Harbour, Hawai‘i Volcanoes Park Kahuku Unit and Waiohinu.