Hawaii forecast calls for heavy showers and summit snow

Photo by Craig Gima/cgima@staradvertiser.com

Pedestrians avoid a puddle while crossing Ala Moana Boulevard after a sudden rain shower this morning.

Flood advisories for Hawaii island and Oahu have been lifted today, but the forecast calls for snow on mountain summits overnight and for rain to continue to threaten the islands into the weekend.

An upper-level disturbance will pose a threat for heavy showers, with thunderstorms possible over Hawaii island tonight, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters issued a winter weather advisory through Wednesday morning. Hawaii island summits may see 2 inches of snow with some locally higher amounts, they said. The advisory means snow, sleet and freezing rain could cause slippery roads and limited visibility, according to the weather service,

For the rest of the state, showers will favor windward and mauka areas, though leeward areas will see their fair share of rain too as trade winds strengthen tonight and Wednesday. Locally heavy showers are possible overnight.

Earlier today, heavy rain has prompted a flash flood watch for Hawaii island through the evening. Oahu was briefly under a flood advisory, but the rain eased by noon. 

About 2 inches of rain an hour fell in Palisades late this morning and scattered heavy rain showers popped up over other areas of Oahu during the morning commute.

Maureen Ballard, a forecaster with the weather service, said lightning strikes were recorded off the Hamakua Coast this morning. Ballard said the chance of heavy rain continues through Wednesday. She said the weather system is moving away from the islands, but rain is in the forecast through the end of the week.