Thunderstorm threat brings flash flood watch for Hawaii

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for the entire state because of the possibility of scattered thundershowers, which was supposed to start late last night and continue through tomorrow night.

Forecasters say cold air from the northwest will meet warmer, moist air from the southeast over the state bringing unstable weather conditions that could lead to flooding, especially over windward areas and slopes facing southeast.

Forecasters note that the thunderstorms could be localized and spotty with one area receiving heavy rain and other areas nearby mostly dry.

Scattered showers could continue through the weekend.

Forecasters say the weather conditions could also produce hail in lower elevations and hail and snow on mountain summits. The National Weather Service posted a winter storm watch for Big Island summits through late tomorrow night. Forecasters say snow levels could drop to the 9,000 foot level.

A gale warning is also in effect for waters 40 nautical miles to 240 nautical miles offshore, including the Papahaunaumokuakea Marine National Monument and a small craft advisory is in effect for waters within 40 miles of shore.