UPDATED (9:48 p.m. on 7/23/2016)
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flash Flood Warning until 12:30 a.m. Sunday (July 24). This warning could be extended should heavy rains continue.
At 9:23 p.m. weather radar showed a large band of heavy rain moving onshore into the Ka‘u district of Hawaii Island from east of Volcano to South Point. The heavy rain will continue moving slowly to the northwest into upslope areas with rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour likely. The ground is already saturated in this area from earlier heavy rains. Excessive runoff is likely and Highway 11 at Kawa Flats may be vulnerable to closure due to flooding.
Locations in the warning include, but are not limited to, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Naalehu, Hawaiian Ocean View, Pahoa, Pahala, Glenwood, Hawaiian Acres And Kawa Flats.
Campers and hikers should avoid low lying flood prone areas. People should stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding. The rainfall and runoff will cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action. Excessive runoff may cause rockslides and mudslides in steep terrain.
Debris in streams and gulches may clog bridges and culverts resulting in flooding outside normal water channels causing damage.
Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown.
A Brown Water Advisory has also been issued for Hawai’i County due to heavy rains. The public is advised to stay out of flood waters and storm water runoff due to possible contamination. If the water is brown, stay out.
For links to the latest weather forecasts, reports, radar and satellite imagery visit our Weather Page at hawaii247.com/weather
UPDATED (7:58 p.m. on 7/23/2016)
8 p.m. Saturday (July 23) Update
At 7:58 p.m. the National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a Flood Advisory for Hawaii Island until 11 p.m. (July 23). This replaces the Flash Flood Warning/Watch issued earlier.
Umauma Bridge on Highway 19 remains closed with a detour through Old Mamalahoa Highway.
At 7:56 p.m. weather radar indicated a large area of moderate to locally heavy rain extending from South Point along the coast of the Ka‘u and Puna districts. This area of rain is moving slowly to the north. Rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour will be possible.
Locations in the advisory include, but are not limited to, Kawa Flats, Mountain View, Naalehu, Hawaiian Ocean View, Pahoa, Volcano, Pahala and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Campers and hikers should avoid low lying flood prone areas. People should stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding. The rainfall and runoff will cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action. Excessive runoff may cause rockslides and mudslides in steep terrain.
Debris in streams and gulches may clog bridges and culverts resulting in flooding outside normal water channels causing damage.
Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown.
For links to the latest weather forecasts, reports, radar and satellite imagery visit our Weather Page at hawaii247.com/weather
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