Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Thursday, December 12, 2024 81° Today's Paper


Top News

Hawaii flood advisories canceled but rain threat remains

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
                                A satellite image this afternoon shows areas of moisture over parts of all Hawaiian islands.

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

A satellite image this afternoon shows areas of moisture over parts of all Hawaiian islands.

UPDATE: Sunday

All weather advisories for the Hawaiian islands have been canceled, but the threat of occasional showers remains today, according to the National Weather Service.

“Heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms are possible over all islands again today,” forecasters said. “The threat will diminish by tonight and a land and sea breeze pattern favoring clouds and showers over island interiors will continue into the middle of next week. Another low will bring the threat of heavy rain to the islands during the second half of next week.”

12:45 a.m.

A flood advisory is in effect until 3 a.m. Sunday for the Big Island.

Radar indicated heavy rain over southeast portion of the 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, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, Wood Valley, Pahala, Glenwood, Punaluu Beach, Mountain View, Kawa Flats, Hawaiian Acres, Orchidlands Estates, Naalehu, Keaau, Pahoa, Hawaiian Ocean View, Fern Forest, Eden Roc and Fern Acres.

Maui’s flash flood warning expired late Saturday.

Saturday, 9:45 p.m.

Maui is under a flash flood warning until 10:45 tonight.

Radar indicated continued heavy rain over east Maui this evening. Rain was falling at a rate of 1.5 to 2.5 inches per hour. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Kipahulu, Hana, Nahiku and Hamoa.

Also, a flood advisory is in effect until midnight for the Big Island following excessive rainfall.

8 p.m.

A flood advisory is in effect for Maui until 10:45 tonight.

Radar this evening indicated heavy rain over east Maui. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Kipahulu, Hana, Nahiku and Hamoa.

Also, a flash flood warning for Oahu and flood advisory for Hawaii island have both expired.

4:10 p.m.

A flash flood warning is in effect for Oahu until 7:15 p.m. today.

Radar at 4:07 p.m. showed heavy rain over West Oahu falling at up to 3 inches per hour, with the heaviest rain falling over Waianae and Makaha Valley, the NWS said.

“Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” weather officials said in a bulletin.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Waianae, Nanakuli, Makakilo, Lualualei, Maili, Makaha, Makua Valley and Koolina.

3:40 p.m.

A flood advisory has been posted for Hawaii island and is in effect through 6:45 p.m. today.

Radar at 3:35 p.m. showed a nearly stationary band of heavy rain over the upslope portions of South Hilo. Rain was measured at falling up to 2 inches per hour, according to the NWS.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Hilo, Mountain View, Papaikou, Keaau, Glenwood, Pepeekeo, Honomu, Volcano, Wainaku and Paukaa.

2:50 p.m.

A flood advisory has been posted for Oahu and is in effect through 5:45 p.m. today.

Radar at 2:43 p.m. showed heavy rain over West Oahu falling at up to 2 inches per hour, according to the NWS.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Honolulu, Waipio, Wheeler Field, Kunia, Mililani, Schofield Barracks, Waikele, Wahiawa, Waipahu, Makakilo, Pearl City, Nanakuli, Kapolei, Ewa Beach, Waianae, Aiea, Iroquois Point, Waialua, Halawa and Barbers Point.

Meanwhile, on Hawaii island, the winter weather advisory for the island’s summits has been canceled while the wind advisory has been extended to 6 a.m. Sunday. Southwesterly winds of 40 to 50 mph are forecast with localized gusts to 60 mph, the NWS said.

9 a.m.

The flood advisory for the island of Kauai has been canceled.

“Radar shows the heavy rain has diminished,” the NWS said. “Flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat.”

However, a flood watch remains in effect for the entire state through 8 p.m. today.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

An unstable weather system slowly drifting eastward over the islands today is expected to bring more periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms with flood risks statewide and more snow for Big Island summits.

A flood advisory is in effect through 9:45 a.m. for the island of Kauai.

Radar at 6:32 a.m. showed heavy rain over Kauai falling at up to 1 to 2 inches per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

Some areas that will experience flooding include Lihue, Kapaa, Princeville, Kilauea, North Fork Wailua Trails, Hanalei, Wainiha, Alakai Swamp Trails, Wailua Homesteads, Haena, Na Pali State Park, Wailua, Moloaa, Kokee State Park, Anahola, Kalihiwai, Wailua River State Park, Kealia, Hanamaulu and Waimea Canyon State Park, the NWS said.

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

Additionally, a flood watch is in effect for all islands through this evening due to the heavy rainfall.

Weather officials say the threat of flooding will ease this evening for some islands. “The flood threat will decrease later this evening over the western islands of Niihau, Kauai and Oahu as the low slowly drifts eastward,” the NWS said in a bulletin this morning.

Meanwhile, wintery conditions persist atop Hawaii island summits.

Forecasters say snow accumulations of up to 2 inches and light freezing rain along with wind gusts around 55 mph merit a continued winter weather advisory and a wind advisory for Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa through 6 p.m. today.

“Travel could be very difficult,” weather officials said. “Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility at times, with periods of zero visibility.”

Forecasters say Monday should see some easing of thunderstorms and heavy rain, but the wet weather will likely persist through the week as another, stronger weather system approaches the islands from the north.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.