Flood advisory canceled for Hawaii island

UPDATE: 5:31 p.m.

The flood advisory for Hawaii island has been canceled after the rain storm diminished.

3:45 p.m.

The NWS has extended the flood advisory for the island of Hawaii another three hours to 6:30 p.m. today.

At 3:16 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain over the windward side of Hawaii island. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Mountain View, Glenwood, Volcano, Hawaiian Acres, Keaau, Orchidlands Estates, Papaikou, Pepeekeo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Pahoa, Honomu, Hakalau, Ninole, Laupahoehoe, Ookala, Paauilo and Kurtistown.

12:30 p.m.

The NWS has reissued a flood advisory for the island of Hawaii due to excessive rainfall, effective until 3:30 p.m.

Weather officials noted minor flooding on roads, in streams, and in poor drainage areas.

At 12:19 p.m., radar indicated a stationary area of heavy rain over the Kohala districts of Hawaii island. Rain was falling at a rate of 2 to 3 inches per hour.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa Village, Kapaau, Honokaa, Kamuela, Waipio Valley, Puako, Waimanu Valley, Kawaihae, Kohala Ranch, Kukuihaele, Puuanahulu, Pololu Valley, Pohakuloa Training Area, Halaula, Hawi, Paauilo, Ookala, Waikii and Mauna Lani.

The public should stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding, and be aware that rainfall and runoff will also cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action.

NOON

The NWS has canceled the flood advisory for the island of Oahu, noting that the heavy rain has diminished.

11:30 a.m.

The NWS has issued a special weather statement, warning that a strong thunderstorm will soak portions of Molokai through 11:45 a.m. today.

At 11:16 a.m., doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Maunaloa. The storm was moving to the north at 5 mph.

Weather officials warn of winds in excess of 40 mph and pea-sized hail. The gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow unsecured objects around, causing minor damage.

Locations impacted include Hoolehua, Maunaloa, Kualapuu, Kaunakakai, Kepuhi, Kalaupapa National Park and Molokai Airport.

Weather officials warn those that are outdoors to consider seeking shelter inside a building.

“Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm,” said officials. “Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”

10:30 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for the island of Oahu due to flooding caused by excessive rainfall, effective until 1:30 p.m. today.

At 10:17 a.m., radar indicated heavy rain over the urban core of Honolulu and moving over the rest of Oahu. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

Weather officials warn that rainfall and runoff will cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility, and poor braking actions. The public should also stay away from streams, drainage ditches, and low-lying areas prone to flooding.

Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreations, meanwhile, has closed the fields at Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park today due to saturated conditions.

The public is also warned to stay out of Manoa Stream near 2702 Lowrey Avenue, as well as at Pia Stream and Maunalua Bay in Aina Haina, due to recent wastewater discharges.

Brown water advisories also remain in effect for the islands of Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, and the east side of Hawaii island.

10 a.m.

The NWS has canceled the flood advisory for Kauai at 9:38 a.m., seven minutes ahead of its expiration time.

Unstable conditions are expected to continue today, with showers expected over interior and mauka areas during the day, and near south and southeast facing coasts at night. A few downpours and a thunderstorm or two are possible.

NWS noted a record daily maximum rainfall of 3.33 inches at Honolulu on New Year’s Day on Sunday, surpassing the previous record of 1.61 inches set for the day in 2005.

Forecasters expect much drier conditioners later in the week, with fewer rains expected Thursday and Friday.

A weakening cold front, however, could bring more rains as it approaches the isles next weekend.

A special marine warning has also been issued for the Kaiwi Channel and Oahu’s leeward waters, effective until 11:15 a.m. today. Boaters are advised to watch out for waterspouts, which can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas, until then.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

Heavy rain over Kauai has prompted a flood advisory for the island as unstable conditions around the state bring showers and, possibly, thunderstorms to some areas.

Radar at 6:43 a.m. showed heavy rain over the island of Kauai falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, according to the National Weather Service. The flood advisory is in effect for the island of Kauai through 9:45 a.m.

People are advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible for the other islands, forecasters say. Oahu will see winds from the south-southeast of 6 to 8 mph and highs of 76 to 80 degrees.

Much drier conditions are expected late in the week, weather officials said.