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Flood advisory canceled for Big Island; watch remains in effect for state

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
                                A satellite view of Hawaii this morning shows areas of moisture over the islands.

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

A satellite view of Hawaii this morning shows areas of moisture over the islands.

UPDATE: 10 a.m.

The flood advisory for Hawaii island has been canceled.

Radar around 9:30 a.m. showed the heavy rain over the island has eased, however, a flood watch remains in effect for Hawaii island and the rest of the state through 6 p.m. today.

8 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for Hawaii island, in effect until 10:30 a.m. today, as heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms drench the windward side of the island.

Radar at 7:23 a.m. detected showers over the windward side of the island, with the heaviest rain falling over Hilo and stretching northward to Laupahoehoe, at rates estimated at 1 to 2 inches per hour. The advisory warns of minor flooding risks, especially in roads, poor drainage areas, and streams across affected zones.

According to the NWS, some locations that will experience flooding include Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kapaau, Honokaa, Papaikou, Pepeekeo, Honomu, Mountain View, Glenwood, Hakalau, Keaau, Ninole, Volcano, Hawaiian Acres, Orchidlands Estates, Ookala, Paauilo and Pahoa.

Weather officials urge residents to stay clear of low-lying areas, drainage ditches, and streams, as these locations are especially prone to flooding during intense rainfall. The advisory could be extended if conditions persist.

This advisory comes amid a broader flood watch for all Hawaiian islands, which remains active until this afternoon. Unstable atmospheric conditions caused by an upper-level low continue to bring showers, with the risk of flash flooding heightened in already saturated areas. As Hawaii faces these sustained rain patterns, the National Weather Service reminds residents to stay informed on any potential flash flood warnings and to avoid travel through flood-prone routes.

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The National Weather Service extended a flood watch for all Hawaiian islands through this afternoon, as an upper-level low-pressure system near the islands keeps conditions ripe for heavy rains and flash flooding.

While the flood advisory for Maui was lifted Sunday afternoon as rain subsided to lighter showers, forecasters warn that unstable atmospheric conditions and ample moisture remain in place, particularly affecting areas with saturated ground from prior rains. Localized flooding, especially in low-lying urban and flood-prone areas, could lead to hazardous conditions, NWS officials said.

The flood watch means that flash flooding remains possible statewide, with showers and isolated thunderstorms expected to bring sudden runoff. Residents are advised to monitor forecasts and stay alert for potential flash flood warnings.

On Hawaii island, a winter weather advisory remains in effect for the island’s summits until 6 p.m. today. Up to three more inches of snow could accumulate, with blowing snow and low visibility creating hazardous travel conditions at high elevations. Officials caution drivers to stay updated on road conditions and consider delaying travel if visibility worsens.

In addition to the wet weather, a small craft advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday for areas including Maalaea Bay, the Pailolo and Alenuihaha Channels and the waters around Hawaii island. East winds up to 25 knots, with north-to-northeasterly gusts in Maalaea Bay, are expected to create challenging conditions for smaller vessels.

Forecasters expect the rain to taper off by late Tuesday as a more stable tradewind pattern returns, bringing drier, calmer weather to the islands.

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