Wednesday weather updates: Flash flood warning for Hawai‘i Island canceled, watch remains

A flash flood warning for Ka‘ū and the Puna Districts is now canceled as heavy rain has ended.

For residents in need of sandbags, the County of Hawaii has established Sand Pile locations across the island. Bring your own shovel and sandbags, and limit use to only what you need.

Flood watch

A flood watch is in place through Friday afternoon.

Marine warning

A special marine warning was issued for the Big Island’s southeast and windward waters through 10:15 a.m.

At 8:09 a.m., severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts were located along a line extending from 15 nm south of FAD Buoy KH to 15 nm southeast of FAD Buoy A, moving east at 10 knots.

Waterspouts and wind gusts of 34 knots or greater are expected.

Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas, according to an alert from the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Brief higher winds and sudden higher waves could damage small craft.

Locations impacted include FAD Buoy D, Cape Kumukahi, FAD Buoy SS, FAD Buoy A, FAD Buoy KH and FAD Buoy RN.

Winter weather advisory

A winter weather advisory is in effect as of this morning through 6 a.m. Friday for Big Island summits. Snow accumulations up to 6 inches and ice accumulations up to a quarter inch are possible. Winds will gust as high as 55 mph.

As of Wednesday morning, the Mauna Kea Access Road is open.

High surf advisory

A high surf advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. on Thursday along south-facing shores of Hawai‘i Island.

Surf is expected to peak on Wednesday above advisory threshold with large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet with occasional higher sets to 12 feet possible.