Flood Advisory Stretches on, Bayfront Drive Closed

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended a flood advisory for Hawai´i County until 10:15 pm Monday night.

At 7 pm, radar indicated moderate to locally heavy rain over windward Big Island with rainfall rates of around one inch per hour in the heaviest showers.

The heaviest rain was falling from Hakalau southward to Hilo to Volcano. Additionally, law enforcement reported Bayfront Highway in Hilo was closed due to flooding. Streams continue to run high as well and minor flooding will likely continue as bands of rain continue to push onshore during the next several hours.

Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Honoka´a, Mountain View, Kea´au, Glenwood, Hawaiian Acres, Papaikou, Orchidland Estates, Pepe´ekeo, Volcano, Honomu, Hakalau, Pāhoa, Ninole, Hawai´i Volcanoes National Park, O´okala, Laupahoehoe and Pa´auilo.

Stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding. Rainfall and runoff will also cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action.

Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown.

A flash flood watch also remain in effect for the entirety of the Big Island through at least Tuesday night.