12:13 a.m. Feb. 8 update: A flood advisory has been extended until 3 a.m. today (Feb. 8) for the Big Island.
At 11:41 p.m., radar indicated moderate to locally heavy rain over windward Big Island, with the heaviest rain over the Hāmākua Coast between ʻUpolu Point and Hakalau, as well as near Hawaiian Beaches and Pāhoa.
8:52 p.m. Feb. 7 update: A flash flood warning is in effect for the North Kohala and Hāmākua districts on the Big Island through tonight.
The National Weather Service issues a flash flood warning when flooding is imminent or occurring.
Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to remain alert for potential flooding and to move to higher ground as needed.
Flooding is life-threatening, and the public is urged not to attempt to cross flowing water in a vehicle or on foot and to drive with caution. Stay vigilant for runoff, ponding water, debris, and low visibility.
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Heavy rain has caused a landslide in Hāmākua on Highway 19 near mile marker 36, and motorists are advised to avoid the area for the next four hours.
A flood advisory has also been issued for windward areas of the Big Island until midnight.
Radar indicated moderate to heavy rain over Big Island, with the heaviest rain in and around
Hilo, as well as along the Hamakua Coast between Upolu Point and Laupāhoehoe.
Some location that will experience flooding include:
Hilo
Hawaiian Paradise Park
Kapaʻau
Honokaʻa
Honomu
Pāpaʻikou
Pepeʻekeo
Hakalau
Nīnole
Mountain View
Laupāhoehoe
Glenwood
Volcano
Oʻokala
Keaʻau
Paʻauilo
Hawaiian Acres
Orchidland Estates
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
For more information, visit the County of Hawaii Hazard Impact Map.
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4:45 p.m. Feb. 7 update: A flood advisory is in effect through this evening in North Kohala.
According to the National Weather Service, a flood advisory is issued when minor flooding is imminent or occurring and when flooding can be life-threatening.
Residents in flood prone areas are asked to remain alert for flooding conditions. Officials ask the public to not attempt to cross flowing water in a vehicle or on foot; turn around, don’t drown.
A high wind warning has also been issued from Sunday morning through Monday for leeward, downslope areas of North and South Kohala and North Kona Districts, and Saddle Road.
Forecasters predict east winds of 30 to 35 miles per hour and gusts of 60 miles per hour.
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The high surf advisory for west-facing shores has also been extended to Sunday morning and a flood watch remins in effect through Monday.
According to the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency, now is the time to prepare for the possibility of damaging winds and heavy rains.
12:48 p.m. Feb. 7 update: Sustained winds up to 40 miles per hour and gusts of over 60 miles per hour are possible on Hawaiʻi Island beginning Sunday morning (Feb. 8).
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for leeward, downslope areas, North and South Kohala, and North Kona districts, and Hawaii Island interior from tomorrow Sunday morning through Monday.
During a high wind warning, people are advised to:
Those in the high wind warning area should take necessary precautions and secure outdoor items.
Plan for this period to limit driving to essential travel only.
Please stay clear of downed trees and utility lines and report all hazards to authorities.
A flood watch also remains in effect across the island through Monday.
Due to the flood watch, residents are urged to take time to prepare for possible heavy rains and high winds that are forecast to arrive Sunday.
The high surf advisory for west facing shores of Hawaii Island remains in effect through this evening.
Original post: High surf advisory conditions are expected on west-facing shores of the Big Island beginning Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, a large west-northwest to northwest swell will build down the island chain this afternoon and tonight. Forecasters have issued a flood watch for all Hawaiʻi islands starting tomorrow afternoon, Feb. 7.
Along west-facing shores of the Big Island, surf is predicted to build to six to eight feet Saturday morning.
According to forecasters, impacts could be moderate with strong breaking waves, and strong currents will make swimming dangerous.
The swell is expected to decline sharply Saturday afternoon and evening, with surf expected to fall below advisory levels by Sunday morning.
For more information, visit the County of Hawaiʻi Hazard Impact Map.