Flash Flood Warning Issued for Hawaii County
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended a Flash Flood Warning for the island of Hawaii until 7:00 PM HST due to heavy rain bands from Hurricane Lala.
At 3:49 PM HST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated moderate to heavy rain bands continuing to move onshore across the windward and southeast Big Island, with rainfall rates ranging from 1 to 2.5 inches per hour. Additional heavy rain bands are anticipated over the next few hours, particularly affecting the Kau and Puna Districts.
Elevated flow was still observed in Honolii Stream, Wailuku River, and Paauau Gulch. County emergency management officials have reported numerous road closures due to ongoing flash flooding in the South Hilo, Puna, and Kau Districts.
Impacts include flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses, and other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Locations expected to experience flash flooding include Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kapaau, Honokaa, Volcano, Glenwood, Mountain View, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Wood Valley, Hawaiian Acres Keaau, and Pahala.