Flash flood warning issued for East Hawai‘i

Portions of East Hawai‘i are under a flash flood warning till 10:15 a.m.

At 7:18 a.m., radar and rain gauges indicated that heavy rainfall continues over the southeast half of the Big Island. The highest rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour were over the Puna District near Pāhoa and along the Hāmākua Coast between Laupahoehoe and Pa‘auilo.

Rainfall is expected to continue through the morning hours.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, Wood Valley, Glenwood, Pāhala, Mountain View, Punalu‘u Beach, Kawa Flats, Hawaiian Acres, Nā‘ālehu, Orchidlands Estates, Kea‘au, Pāhoa, Pāpa‘ikou, Hawaiian Ocean View, Pepe‘ekeo, Honomū and Fern Forest.

The flood watch remains in effect for the rest of the island. Highway 19 in South Hilo, near mile marker 13, recently opened after it was closed for several hours as crews cleared a rockslide.

There are no detours at this time.

Flooding is expected in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties and other low-lying areas. Motorists are advised to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are currently dry.

A brown water advisory has also been issued for East Hawai‘i.