Flooding, lightning, funnel clouds possible for isles
Gray clouds hovered over the Koolau Mountains Friday as the sun bathed the sand and palms at Kahala Beach. The Kahala Hotel & Resort can be seen in the distance. Locally heavy rainfall and scattered thunderstorms are forecast through Saturday night.
A flash flood warning has been issued for the island of Maui while the entire state is under a flash flood watch through Sunday morning.
Forecasters say the unstable weather conditions mean isolated thunderstorms could develop anywhere.
A flash flood watch for Hawaii island continues through 2:30 a.m.
The National Weather Service said radar showed heavy rain near Pahoa and additional bands of showers over windward areas.
The advisory includes Kapoho, HIlo, Mountain View and Wood Valley.
The potential for storms state-wide continues through Saturday.
"A few of these storms could become severe," forecasters said. "Severe thunderstorms are capable of producing damaging winds and hail the size of quarters or larger, in addition to frequent lightning and intense rainfall."
"While not everyone will see intense weather, you should be prepared to move indoors quickly if the weather appears threatening or thunder is heard," the weather service said.
The American Red Cross said it was responding to flooding on Molokai and National Park Service rangers reported that Oheo Gulch was closed Friday morning because of elevated stream levels.
The flash flood watch for the state remains in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday.
