The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the Flash Flood Warning for…
The Island of Hawaii in Hawaii County
* Until 430 AM HST.
* At 107 AM HST, radar and rain gauges indicated heavy rainfall
continues over windward and southeast facing slopes of the Big
Island. The most intense area of rainfall was over the slopes from
Hilo to South Point with rates of more than 2 inches per hour,
closing Highway 11 at Kawa Flats. This rainfall will cause water
levels in already swollen streams to rise further. Heavy rain
along the Hamakua Coast will also continue to cause flooding
problems along the Belt Highway between Honomu and Honokaa.
HAZARD…Flash flooding caused by heavy rain.
SOURCE…Radar and rain gages.
IMPACT…Flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads,
properties, and other low-lying areas. Public road
closures possible in some areas. Landslides are possible
in steep terrain.
* Some locations that will experience flooding include…
Hilo, Naalehu, Waipio Valley, Orchidlands Estates, Hawi, Pepeekeo,
Keaau, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kawa Flats, Pahoa, Kapaau and
Hawaiian Acres.
Due to the Flash Flood Warning:
- The following roads are closed due to flooding.
o Highway 11 in the Kau District closed between mile marker 57 and mile marker 60.
o The Daniel K. Inouye Highway (also known as Saddle Road) is closed between mile marker 11 and mile marker 18 on the Hilo side of the saddle.
o Bay Front Highway in Hilo.
o Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring
within the warned area.
Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even
if they are currently dry. Do not cross fast flowing water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn
around, don`t drown. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding.
The heavy rains may cause rock and mudslides in steep terrain areas.
This warning may need to be extended beyond 430 AM HST if heavy rain
persists.
