Flood advisory covers Hawaii island, Maui
UPDATE: 6:35 p.m.
The National Weather Service has extended a flood advisory for Hawaii island, and issued another advisory for Maui, both until 9 p.m.
“At 5:50 p.m., radar showed showers continuing to stream into the windward side of the Big Island, leading to nuisance flooding and significant stream rises,” forecasters said this evening. “Up to 7 inches of rain has fallen so far today at Piihonua, with widespread rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches just in the last 6 hours. This is leading to widespread ponding of water.”
Locations in the advisory include the entire windward side of the Big Island, including the Hilo, Puna, Hamakua and Kau districts, forecasters said.
The advisory for Maui says that at 6:02 p.m., “radar indicated widespread moderate showers over windward east Maui, with rainfall rates between one and two inches per hour leading to stream rises and ponding of water.”
The advisory covers Haliimaile, Pauwela, Kipahulu, Keokea, Makawao, Haiku-Pauwela, Wailea, Huelo, Kula and Pukalani.
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The National Weather Service today issued a flood advisory for Hawaii island, effective through 6 p.m.
At about 3 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain near Hilo was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.
Locations in the advisory include, but are not limited to Hilo, Paauilo, Kukuihaele, Pepeekeo, Keaau, Honokaa, Orchidland Estates, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kawa Flats, Pahoa, Hawaiian Acres and Pohakuloa Camp.
Officials warn the public to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding.
The public should also be aware that rainfall and runoff will also cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot.
Forecasters said an area of enhanced moisture will result in passing showers through tonight, mostly on the windward and mauka sides. Most of it is expected to pass south of the state, but some of it brought showers to the east end of the state today, with some of this moisture expected to move across central and eastern isles tonight.
