UPDATE: 5:20pm
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended a Flash Flood Warning for the Island of Hawaiʻi through 6:45 p.m. HST.
As of 3:28 p.m., radar showed heavy rain continuing across portions of East and Southeast Hawaiʻi Island. The most intense rainfall is occurring in the Kau District between Kawa Flats and Volcano, including areas along Mamalahoa Highway. Rainfall rates are estimated at 2 to 4 inches per hour.
Emergency management officials report water flowing over Mamalahoa Highway near Paʻauʻau Gulch in Pāhala, where stream levels remain high.
The heavy rain is producing life-threatening flash flooding. Significant flooding is expected in streams, rivers, drainage areas, roads, properties, and other low-lying locations. Multiple public road closures are possible, along with the risk of landslides in steep terrain.
The Hawaii Police Department reports that HWY 11 is NOW OPEN in the Ka`u District near Pahala between mile markers 50 and 54.
Areas that may be impacted include Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Honokaʻa, Volcano, Glenwood, Mountain View, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiian Acres, Keaʻau, Wood Valley, Pōhakuloa Camp, Papaʻikou, Pepeʻekeo, Pāhala, Honomū, Pāhoa, and Hakalau.
Residents are urged to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they appear dry. Heavy rainfall can quickly cause dangerous flooding of streets, highways, and low-lying areas.
