Flood Watch Issued for the Big Island
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flood Watch for portions of the Big Island, effective from midnight tonight through Monday afternoon.
Moisture on the northern periphery of Tropical Storm Moke is expected to bring areas of heavy rain to the Big Island starting late tonight through Monday afternoon. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible, specifically for windward and southeast areas of the island.
Forecasts indicate that rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches, with locally up to 15 inches, are possible over the windward and southeast slopes. Due to saturated grounds from recent heavy rain, it will not take a significant amount of additional rainfall to cause flash flooding.
Potential impacts include the closure of flood-prone roads and other low-lying areas due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams. Additionally, urban areas may experience more significant flooding and property damage resulting from rapid runoff.
The affected areas under the Flood Watch include Kona, Kohala, Big Island Interior, Big Island Summit, Big Island South, Big Island Southeast, Big Island East, and Big Island North.