Flash flood warning issued for parts of Big Island as Hurricane Lane approaches

UPDATE:

12:45 a.m.

A flash flood warning has been extended for parts of the Big Island until 3:45 a.m. Thursday.

At 12:14 a.m. HST, Hawaii County Civil Defense reported that Bayfront Highway in Hilo remains closed due to flooding. Flooding is also being reported on several other roads in the Hilo area. Water levels on the Honolii Stream and Wailuku River are very high and continuing to rise. Streams and drainages in the area around and north of Hilo may be overflowing, causing property damage and dangerous road conditions. Radar and rain gauges show persistent rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, as outer rain bands from Hurricane Lane continue to stream into windward sections of the Big Island. Additional flash flooding is likely to develop across windward sections of the Big Island during the night due to the persistent heavy rains.

Locations in the warning include but are not limited to… Hilo, Naalehu, Paauilo, Waipio Valley, Orchidlands Estates, Kukuihaele, Hawi, Pepeekeo, Keaau, Honokaa, Ookala and Hawaiian Paradise Park.

11 p.m. – A hurricane warning remains in effect for Oahu, Maui County, and Hawaii County. A hurricane watch is in effect for Kauai County.

Lane continues to track toward the Hawaiian Islands as a category 4 hurricane. It was last located about 235 miles south-southwest of Kailua-Kona and about 350 miles south of Honolulu.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center reports Lane is moving toward the northwest near 7 mph and will move very close to or over the island chain Thursday through Friday.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 145 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.

10:20 p.m. – HDOT releases list of highway closures

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is reminding the public that contraflow lanes on all islands, including the Zipper lane, will not be open Thursday and Friday. The Freeway Service Patrol on Oahu will also not be running during the lead up and possible landfall of Hurricane Lane.

HDOT will be closing the following routes:

>> Pali Highway Kailua/Kaneohe bound lanes at Nuuanu Pali Drive from 8 p.m. Thursday until the storm passes and the road is assessed for potential rockfall threat.

>> Kuhio Highway between Wainiha and Waikoko after the 11 p.m. convoy Thursday. Limited local access will resume after crews assess the slope for potential storm damage.

>> Left lanes of the H-3 in both directions at the Harano Tunnels to close Thursday for staging equipment starting at 9 a.m. During staging at the Harano Tunnels the right lanes in both directions will be accessible. This will go through Saturday.

Due to flash flooding, the Hawaii County Police report the following roads closures in Hilo: Bayfront Highway (Highway 19), Kamehameha Avenue, Pauahi Street, Kukila Street, E. Kawailani Street from Awapuhi Street to Nohona Street, Pohaku from 39th to 40th in Orchidland Estates.

10 p.m. – Flash flood warning for parts of Big Island

A flash flood warning has been issued for parts of the Big Island until 12:45 a.m. Thursday.

At 9:39 p.m., Hawaii County Civil Defense reported that Bayfront Highway in Hilo was closed due to flooding. High water levels are also being reported on the Honolii Stream, Kawainui Stream and Wailuku River.

Radar shows persistent rainfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour, as outer rain bands from Hurricane Lane continue to stream into the island’s windward sections. Additional flash flooding is likely to develop during the night.

Locations in the warning include but are not limited to Hilo, Naalehu, Paauilo, Waipio Valley, Orchidlands Estates, Kukuihaele, Hawi, Pepeekeo, Keaau, Honokaa, Ookala and Hawaiian Paradise Park.

In addition to the flash flood warning, there is a brown water advisory for the Big Island from stormwater runoff entering into coastal waters.

The public is advised to stay out of flood waters and storm water runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, sewer, manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals, and associated flood debris.

Flash Flood Warning including Hilo HI, Volcano HI, Honoka'a HI until 12:45 AM HST pic.twitter.com/nJcCvu6aHT

— NWSHonolulu (@NWSHonolulu) August 23, 2018

9:30 p.m. – Highway closure in Hilo due to flooding

The Hawaii Department of Transportation said on Twitter tonight that Bayfront Highway (Highway 19) in Hilo is being closed due to flooding. Traffic is being diverted through town.

8 p.m. – Lane tracking northwest; flood advisories extended for Big Island and Maui

Lane remains a category 4 hurricane, the weather service said in its latest update tonight.

It was last located 260 miles south of Kailua-Kona and 375 miles south-southeast of Honolulu.

Lane is moving toward the northwest near 7 mph, and this motion is expected to continue tonight, with a turn toward the north and a slower forward motion expected on Friday. A turn back toward the west is expected on Saturday.

Lane is still forecast to move very close to or over the main Hawaiian Islands Thursday and Friday.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 145 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.

The flood advisory for Big Island has been extended until 11 p.m.

Just before 8 p.m., radar showed persistent moderate to heavy rain, which continues to impact the island’s windward slopes. The most intense rainfall rates are 1 to 2 inches per hour along the Hamakua Coast southward through parts of the Hilo and Puna districts.

Hawaii County Civil Defense recently reported one foot of water over the Troop Street bridge on Old Mamalahoa Highway in Honomu, the weather service said. Water levels in Honolii Stream, Kawainui Stream and Wailuku River also remain high.

Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to Hilo, Naalehu, Paauilo, Waipio Valley, Orchidlands Estates, Kukuihaele, Hawi, Pepeekeo, Keaau, Honokaa, Ookala and Hawaiian Paradise Park.

The flood advisory for Maui has also been extended until 11:30 p.m.

Moderate to heavy rain continues to move over both the windward and leeward sides of east Maui. The most intense rainfall rates are 1 to 2 inches per hour.

Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to Kahului, Puunene, Haliimaile, Pauwela, Paia, Makawao, Keokea, Makena, Haiku-Pauwela, Wailea, Huelo and Ulupalakua.

7 p.m. – FEMA prepared with food, supplies for Hawaii

An official says the Federal Emergency Management Agency is prepared with several barges with food, water and supplies for Hawaii.

The federal agency moved the supplies into the region ahead of Hurricane Hector, which skirted past the islands more than a week ago.

FEMA Administrator Brock Long said in a telephone news conference today that the agency has had a team on the Big Island for months after Kilauea volcano began erupting.

The National Weather Service says Hurricane Lane is forecast to move dangerously close to Hawaii on Thursday through Saturday, potentially bringing damaging winds, prolonged heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash-flooding.

All public schools will be closed for the rest of the week in anticipation of the storm.

5:30 p.m. – Flood advisories issued for Maui and Big Island

A flood advisory has been issued for Maui until 8:30 p.m. today.

Just before 5:3o p.m., radar showed outer rain bands from Hurricane Lane moving over east Maui. The highest rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour were between Keanae and Hana. Weather officials said this area of rainfall is expected to spread westward across the slopes of Haleakala.

More rain will move over Maui from the east over the next several hours.

Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to Kahului, Puunene, Haliimaile, Pauwela, Paia, Makawao, Keokea, Makena, Haiku-Pauwela, Wailea, Huelo, Ulupalakua, Hana, Kipahulu, and Kaupo.

The flood advisory for Big Island has been extended until 8 p.m. as Lane continues to affect the island’s windward slopes. The most intense rainfall was 1 to 2 inches per hour along the Hamakua Coast.

Although rainfall over Hilo and Puna has eased for now, water levels in Honolii Stream and Wailuku River remain high.

Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to Hilo, Naalehu, Paauilo, Laupahoehoe, Orchidland Estates, Kukuihaele, Hawi, Pepeekeo, Pahoa, Honokaa, Ookala, Hawaiian Paradise Park, and Mountain View.

Hurricane Lane Shelter Locations by Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Scribd

5 p.m. – Oahu under a hurricane warning

Oahu is now under a hurricane warning, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center said in its latest report.

The warning is also in effect for Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe. Kauai and Niihau are under a hurricane watch.

About 5 p.m., Hurricane Lane was about 260 miles south of Kailua-Kona and 385 miles south-southeast of Honolulu.

Maximum sustained winds are near 145 mph with higher gusts, still a powerful Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.

Lane is moving toward the northwest near 8 mph, which is expected to turn toward the north on Friday. A turn back toward the west is expected on Saturday. On the forecast track, the center of Lane remains on track to move very close to or over the main Hawaiian islands Thursday and Friday, forecasters said.

A warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area “36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm-force winds, which make outside preparations difficult or dangerous, the hurricane center said. “Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion,” forecasters warned.

Some weakening is forecast during the next few days, they said, but Lane is expected to remain a hurricane as it approaches the islands.

#HurricaneLane in the early morning hours near #Hawaii. The crew of the @Space_Station sends much aloha to everyone there. pic.twitter.com/raPh37MZH9

— Ricky Arnold (@astro_ricky) August 22, 2018

Hurricane center forecasters continue to warn of:

>> Heavy wind: “Tropical storm conditions are expected on portions of the Big Island beginning early Thursday morning, with hurricane conditions expected in some areas Thursday afternoon or Thursday night. Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin over portions of Maui county on Thursday, with hurricane conditions expected in some areas Thursday night into Friday. Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin on Oahu late Thursday night, with hurricane conditions expected Friday.”

>> Flooding rains: “Rainbands from Hurricane Lane will continue to gradually overspread the state tonight and Thursday. Excessive rainfall associated with Lane is expected to affect portions of the Hawaiian Islands from late today into the weekend. This could lead to major flash flooding and landslides. Lane is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 10 to 15 inches with localized amounts in excess of 20 inches over the Hawaiian Islands.”

>> High surf: “Large swells generated by Lane will impact the Hawaiian Islands, spreading across the island chain tonight and Thursday. These swells will produce very large and potentially damaging surf along exposed west, south and east facing shorelines.”

>> Storm surge: “The combination of a dangerous storm surge and large breaking waves will raise water levels by as much as 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels along south and west facing shores near the center of Lane. The surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.”

4:30 p.m. – Flood advisory issued for Big Island

The Big Island is seeing the first effects of approaching Hurricane Lane’s outer rain bands.

Gov. David Ige noted at a news conference today that the island is starting to see the effects of the powerful Category 4 hurricane.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for the Big Island until 5 p.m. today.

Just before 2 p.m., radar showed heavy bouts of rain from Hurricane Lane moving over the east side of the island and lighter rain in other areas. Rain rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour were over the windward slopes from Honokaa to Volcano. More rain will continue to move over the east and southeast facing slopes of the island through the afternoon.

Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to Hilo, Naalehu, Paauilo, Laupahoehoe, Orchidland Estates, Kukuihaele, Hawi, Pepeekeo, Pahoa, Honokaa, Ookala, Hawaiian Paradise Park, and Mountain View.

Hawaii County Managing Director Wil Okabe says it’s raining in Hilo, on the east side, but sunny skies on the Kona, or west side, of the island.

A flood watch is in effect statewide hrough Friday night. As Lane approaches from the south, deep tropical moisture associated with Lane will spread across the island chain from the southeast, with increased potential for heavy rainfall and flooding.

The National Weather Service says it’s possible Hawaii could see more than 20 inches of rain.

Low spots in roads will become dangerous and impassible due to severe runoff.

2:30 p.m. – Hawaii and Maui counties remain under hurricane warning

Hurricane Lane was 275 miles south of Kailua-Kona and 400 miles from Honolulu, packing sustained winds of 150 mph and moving west-northwest at 8 mph as of about 2 p.m. today.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center said hurricane-force winds extend up to 40 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 140 miles.

A hurricane warning remains in effect for Hawaii and Maui counties, and a hurricane watch for Oahu and Kauai County.

“A gradual turn toward the northwest is expected today and tonight, followed by a more northward motion on Thursday. A turn back toward the west is expected on Saturday. On the forecast track, the center of Lane will move very close to or over the main Hawaiian Islands from Thursday through Saturday,” forecasters warn. “A steady weakening trend is forecast to begin today, but Lane is expected to remain a dangerous hurricane as it approaches the islands.”

2 p.m. – Mayor holds press conference

Mayor Kirk Caldwell today said that in anticipation of the impacts from Hurricane Lane, all of the city’s 299 parks will be closed from Thursday, trips for TheBus and TheHandi-Van originating from their starting points will cease from 6 p.m. Thursday and curbside trash pickup will stop from Friday.

Additionally, 20 shelters are being set up throughout Oahu with the help of the American Red Cross Hawaii chapter. (See list below.) Caldwell said they are only to be used as a last resort for people seeking protection from high winds and flying debris. If safe to do so, people should shelter in their homes, or stay with family and friends, he said.

Once regularly scheduled TheBus and TheHandi-Van trips are done Thursday night, the city will begin evacuation shuttle service to help take people to the shelters, Caldwell said.

Satellite city halls and motor vehicle licensing offices will be closed as well, the mayor said.

Non-emergency workers, roughly 80 percent of all city employees, are being asked to stay home Thursday through the weekend, Caldwell said.

Those in need of city crews to help with removal of debris from streams and other waterways are asked to call 768-7890 for streams. Call 768-2489 for inquiries about other questions regarding city services.

The Board of Water Supply and the Department of Environmental Services are asking people to conserve water where possible, including limiting the flushing of toilets.

Other closures announced in the past hour:

>> All YMCA of Honolulu branches and Y programs will be closed Thursday.

>> Courthouses on Oahu and Kauai will be closed Thursday and Friday, including the Community Outreach Court, which was scheduled to be held at Waianae Public Library.

Hawaii Supreme Court Acting Chief Justice Paula A. Nakayama issued an order extending court matters on Oahu or Kauai to Monday, the Hawaii State Judiciary said.

OAHU evacuation shelters:

All 20 evacuation shelters on Oahu accept pets. The shelters will open at 10 a.m. Thursday. They are:

>> Aiea High – 98-1276 Ulune St

>> Leilehua High – 1515 California Ave

>> Radford High – 4361 Salt Lake Blvd

>> Waialua High and Intermediate – 67-160 Farrington Hwy

>> Dole Middle – 1803 Kamehameha IV Rd

>> Farrington High – 1564 North King St

>> Kaimuki Middle – 631 18th Ave

>> Kaiser High – 511 Lunalilo Home Rd

>> Kalani High – 4680 Kalanianaole Hwy

>> McKinley High – 1039 S. King St

>> Stevenson Middle – 1202 Prospect St

>> Campbell High – 91-980 North Rd

>> Kapolei High – 91-5007 Kapolei Pkwy

>> Leihoku Elementary – 86-285 Leihoku St

>> Nanakuli High and Intermediate – 89-980 Nanakuli Ave

>> Pearl City High – 2100 Hookiekie St

>> Waipahu High – 94-1211 Farrington Hwy

>> Brigham Young University Hawaii – 55-220 Kulanui St

>> Castle High – 45-386 Kaneohe Bay Dr

>> Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate – 41-1330 Kalanianaole Hwy

Click here to view the map of Oahu emergency shelters.

1:48 p.m. – Hawaii County Civil Defense announces emergency shelters

Hawaii County Civil Defense has announced that four emergency shelters have been opened on the north and west side of Hawaii island.

They said the shelters are for the public’s convenience, but stressed that there is no mandatory evacuation at this time. They are: Hookena Elementary School, 86-4355 Mamalahoa Highway, Captain Cook; Kamehameha Park Hisaoka Gym, (pet friendly), 54-382 Kamehameha Park Road, Kapaau; Kealakehe High School, (pet friendly), 74-5000 Puohulihuli St., Kailua-Kona; and Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School, 68-1730 Ho’oko St., Waikoloa,.

Authorities advise anyone relocating to a shelter to to bring a 3-day supply of medications and pet food (if applicable), and personal blankets and pillows if possible, but that the shelters are open to everyone with or without these items.

1:40 p.m. – Hurricane Lane closures

More closures have been announced in advance of Hurricane Lane including state libraries and several private schools. Here are the details:

>> All public libraries in Hawaii and Maui counties are closed today to Friday.

>> All public libraries on Oahu and Kauai County are closed Thursday and Friday.

>> All library programs are cancelled through Sunday.

>> These private schools on Oahu have announced they will be closed: Punahou, St. Francis School, Damien Memorial School, Mid-Pacific Institute and St. Andrew’s Schools.

Click here for a list of closures and rescheduled events for incoming Hurricane Lane.

12:50 p.m.

Gov. David Ige is scheduled to hold a press conference today ahead of Hurricane Lane.

Watch here:

12:30 p.m.

All University of Hawaii campuses and system offices on Oahu and Kauai will be closed from Thursday through Sunday, UH announced in an alert today.

Additionally, all UH-Manoa athletic events scheduled for Thursday and Friday are canceled and a decision on athletic events scheduled for Saturday and Sunday will be made depending upon weather conditions and facility availability.

The UH campuses on Hawaii island, Maui, Molokai and Lanai remain closed until further notice. However, residence halls at UH-Manoa and UH-Hilo will remain open for student residents.

12:10 p.m.

All public schools and state Department of Education offices statewide will be closed Thursday and Friday due to Hurricane Lane, Gov. David Ige announced in a press release today.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell is also scheduled to hold a press conference around noon to detail the city’s preparations for Hurricane Lane.

12:05 p.m.

Gov. David Ige has granted non-essential state employees on Oahu and Kauai administrative leave Thursday and Friday as the state prepares for Hurricane Lane’s arrival.

State offices on Oahu and Kauai will be closed on Thursday and Friday, and non-essential workers affected by the closures should not report to work, the governor’s office said.

State officials said that employees in these categories are required to report to work, unless it is determined that the employee can be excused: departmental Disaster/Emergency Coordinators, Disaster Response Workers, and employees whose work involves crucial operations or services, such as hospital and correctional workers.

11:45 a.m.

The National Weather Service said tropical-storm-force winds could whip up as early as this afternoon on Hawaii island.

The hurricane was about 305 miles south of Kailua-Kona and moving northwest toward other islands.

Meteorologist Chevy Chevalier in Honolulu said Lane may drop to a Category 3 by Thursday afternoon but that would still be a major hurricane.

“We expect it to gradually weaken as it gets closer to the islands,” Chevalier said. “That being said, on our current forecast, as of the afternoon on Thursday, we still have it as a major hurricane.”

11 a.m.

Now less than 300 miles from the Big Isle, Hurricane Lane remains a strong Category 4 hurricane.

Still clocking in with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, Lane was 285 miles south of Kailua-Kona and 420 miles south-southeast of Honolulu at 11 a.m. and headed west-northwest at 8 mph, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from Lane’s center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.

Maui County, in cooperation with the American Red Cross and the Department of Education, is opening up evacuation shelters countywide today.

The following list of shelters will be open at 2 p.m, although those with special health needs can check in an hour early at 1 p.m.:

• Hana High School

• Lahaina Intermediate

• King Kekaulike High School

• Molokai High School

• Maui High School

• Lokelani Intermediate

• Lanai High

Maui High, Lokelani and Lanai High are designated “pet-friendly” shelters. Smoking and drinking are not allowed at the shelters or in their parking lots. Evacuees are asked to bring whatever they need to make themselves comfortable at the shelters. For more information contact the Red Cross hotline at 357-3387.

Also, all Maui Bus and MEO transportation services will not be in operation on Thursday until further notice. Contact the Maui Emergency Management Agency for more information at 270-7285 or visit www.mauicounty.gov.

10 a.m.

President Donald Trump tweeted some words of advice to residents and visitors in the state of Hawaii this morning in the face of the approaching Hurricane Lane, which remained a Category 4 hurricane as of 8 a.m.

Everyone in the path of #HurricaneLane please prepare yourselves, heed the advice of State and local officials, and follow @NWSHonolulu for updates. Be safe! https://t.co/kCwtL8UxNI

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 22, 2018

8 a.m.

Still a major hurricane, Lane is moving ever closer to the islands.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, Lane was located about 305 miles south of Kailua-Kona and 445 miles south-southeast of Honolulu at 8 a.m. while moving west-northwest at 8 mph, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from Lane’s center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.

6:45 a.m.

A hurricane warning is in effect for the following areas:

Hawaii County

>> Hilo, Kamuela, Hawi, Pahoa and Volcano

>> Naalehu, Pahala and Hawaiian Ocean View Estates

>> Bradshaw Army Airfield

>> Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa summits

>> Seas off the leeward and southeast coasts

Hurricane-force winds of 64 knots or higher are expected tonight through Thursday. Seas 10 to 15 feet building to 15 to 25 feet Thursday and Thursday night.

Maui County

>> Kahului, Puunene and Maalaea

>> Lahaina, Olowalu and Napili

>> Wailuku, Waihee and Kapalua

>> Seas off the leeward coast, Maalea Bay, Pailolo Channel and Alenuihaha Channel

Hurricane-force winds of 64 knots or higher are expected Thursday through Friday. Seas 15 to 25 feet Thursday through Friday.

A high surf warning is in effect for Kailua-Kona and the south-facing shores of Hawaii island through 6 a.m. Friday. Surf up to 25 feet is expected along the Kau and Puna coasts and up to 12 feet along the Kona coast with locally higher waves.

A high surf warning has been issued for the south-facing shores of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai and Niihau from Thursday through Friday.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

Hurricane Lane weakened slightly overnight but continues its march toward the islands.

Clocking in with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, Lane was located around 315 miles south of Kailua-Kona and 460 miles south-southeast of Honolulu and was headed west-northwest at 9 mph at 5 a.m., according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

A hurricane warning is in effect for Hawaii and Maui counties while a hurricane watch is in effect for Oahu and Kauai.

A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from Lane’s center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.

Longtime Hawaii residents recalled a devastating 1992 hurricane as they prepared for Hurricane Lane.

Kauai resident Mike Miranda was 12 when Hurricane Iniki devastated the island 26 years ago. “A lot of people are comparing the similarities between Iniki and Lane,” he said.

Iniki’s turn into the islands was sudden, he recalled.

“I remember how very little rain fell. But I remember the wind being the strongest force of nature I’ve ever witnessed and probably the scariest sounds I’ve ever heard in my life,” he said.

Utility poles were down all over the island, and his 7th-grade classes were held in Army tents for several months.

Miranda said his family is used to preparing for hurricane season.

“A lot of people who moved here and never experienced a hurricane. They’re the ones rushing to the store,” he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.