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Rain, hail, possible flooding, snow and high winds hitting Hawaii Island

UPDATED (11:54 p.m. on 2/5/2018)

Weather advisory map via National Weather Service/NOAA

Weather advisory map via National Weather Service/NOAA

Severe Thunderstorm Warning CANCELLED

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property. Therefore the warning has been cancelled. However heavy rain and gusty winds are still occurring with this thunderstorm.

A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 3 a.m. HST for Hawaii Island.

Special Marine Warning for Alenuihaha Channel

Special Marine Warning for the Alenuihaha Channel and Hawaii Island Windward Waters until 12:45 a.m. HST Tuesday (Jan 6)

At 10:46 p.m. HST Monday, a strong thunderstorm capable of producing waterspouts was located 9 nm north of Kukuihaele, moving east at 35 knots.

HAZARD…Waterspouts and Wind gusts to nearly 50 knots.

SOURCE…Radar indicated.

IMPACT…Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally
hazardous seas. Small craft could be damaged in briefly
higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

The strong thunderstorm will affect Hawaii Island windward waters.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Move to safe harbor immediately as gusty winds and high waves are expected.

Frequent lightning is occurring with this storm. If caught on the open water, stay below deck if possible.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch


Hail falling and bouncing off the lawn in Mountain View Monday afternoon (Feb 5). Video Special to Hawaii 24/7 by Steven Royston.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Hawaii Island, the Alenuihaha Channel and waters surrounding the island until 3 a.m. Tuesday (Feb 6).

At 9:05 p.m. HST, radar indicated a line of strong thunderstorms over waters to the northwest and west of Hawaii Island, moving east at 15 to 20 mph. These storms extended from the Alenuihaha Channel to about 20 miles west of Honaunau. As these storms move over Hawaii Island, wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph are possible, as well as frequent dangerous lightning, and torrential downpours reducing visibility to near zero.

Locations impacted include: Kailua-Kona, Captain Cook, Waikoloa Village, Kapaau, Hawi, Honaunau, Kahaluu-Keauhou, Kealakekua, Puuanahulu, Kainaliu, Honalo, Pololu Valley, Kohala Ranch, Kalaoa, Halaula, Holualoa, Puako, Kamuela, Pohakuloa Training Area and Mahukona.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.

Flash Flood Watch

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a flash flood watch for Hawaii Island through Wednesday afternoon (Feb 7).

A deep trough will keep the atmosphere moist and very unstable with flooding rains likely.

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.

Wind Advisory

A wind advisory is in effect for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa until 6 a.m. Wednesday (Feb 7).

At elevations above 12,000 feet winds are forecast to be in the 30-50 mph range with gusts up to 60 mph.

The strong winds can make driving difficult especially for high profile vehicles. Motorists should use caution while driving. The winds can also forcefully swing doors open or shut so use caution when opening or closing vehicle doors. Consider postponing driving or hiking to the summit until conditions improve. If camping near the summit, be sure tents are well secured.

Winter Weather Advisory

A surface front and trough aloft are expected to bring a mix of wintry weather, including periods of snow, to Hawaii Island summits overnight and Tuesday (Feb 6).

Mixed precipitation and snow expected. Plan on slippery road conditions. Snow accumulations of up to 3 inches are possible.

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use extreme caution while driving.

For links to the latest weather forecasts, reports, radar and satellite imagery visit our Weather Page at hawaii247.com/weather

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