A flash flood watch is set to go into effect at 6 p.m. today as the remnants of post-tropical cyclone Wali continue to march toward the Big Island.
A flash flood watch is set to go into effect at 6 p.m. today as the remnants of post-tropical cyclone Wali continue to march toward the Big Island.
The system, located about 775 miles east-southeast of Hilo, weakened to a depression Friday morning and was moving northwest around 12 mph as of 5 p.m. that afternoon. Wali is expected to continue weakening into a post-tropical remnant low but could dump a foot of rain in some areas, Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasters in Honolulu say. The system was packing maximum sustained winds around 25 mph, with higher gusts, as of Friday afternoon.
Forecasters expect heavy rain and thunderstorms from tonight through 6 p.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Showers are expected to reach the windward side of the Big Island tonight.
The greatest chance of flooding will occur along the windward slopes, forecasters say. There is a lesser chance of flooding along leeward slopes.
A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding, according to the weather service.
The public is advised to remember that it does not have to be raining heavily in the immediate vicinity for flash flooding to occur.
Residents and visitors should avoid camping or hiking near streams in low-lying flood-prone areas.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources closed Muliwai Trail and the Waimanu Valley campground in North Kohala as a precaution against flash-flooding in nearby streams. The agency also closed trails and forests on Maui.
Email Bret Yager at byager@westhawaii today.com.