Flash flood warning continues; some E. Hawaii roads closed
UPDATE 6 p.m.
Highway 11 in the Ka‘u (between mile markers 57 and 62 mile markers) is closed due to flooding,
ADVERTISING
police reported at 5:47 p.m. No alternate routes are available.
UPDATE 4:24 p.m.
The National Weather Service continues its flash flood warning for the following districts: Ka‘u, North Hilo, Puna, South Hilo.
A flash flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring.
The Puna District is experiencing heavy rain, causing water runoff and ponding on the roadways, primarily on Highway 130 in Keaau and Route 11 in Mountain View and Glenwood, police reported at just after 4 p.m.
Police also said Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo is closed between Ponahawai Street and Bishop Street due to flooding. Use alternate routes.
Other closures this afternoon include Pauahi Street, Pohaku Street, Kahikopele Street and N. Kulani Road.
Evacuation shelters are open at the Keaau Armory in Keaau and Ka‘u District/Robert N. Herkes Gym in Pahala.
Motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution and asked to avoid unnecessary traveling on the roadways until weather conditions improve.
Heavy rain is expected through tomorrow evening.
PREVIOUSLY
A flash flood warning is in effect for Hawaii Island through 5 p.m. today.
A flash flood warning is a severe weather alert from the National Weather Service that indicates a flash flood is happening or about to happen.
Radar at 1:34 p.m. showed heavy rain over Ka‘u, Puna and south Hilo falling at a rate of up to 4 inches per hour, according to the NWS.
Honolii Stream and Wailuku River are continuing to rise.
Flooding is likely to occur in drains, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas. Public road closures are possible in some areas. Landslides are possible in steep terrain.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Glenwood, Volcano, Mountain View, Hawaiian Acres, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Keaau, Orchidlands Estates, Pahoa, Papaikou, Pepeekeo, Honomu, Wood Valley, Hakalau, Pahala, Laupahoehoe, Punaluu Beach and Ookala.
