Flash Flood Warning Issued for Hawaii Island as Heavy Rain Impacts Kona Slopes

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the island of Hawaii in Hawaii County. This alert is an immediate call to action due to radar-indicated heavy rainfall that is likely to cause flash flooding in the region.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the island of Hawaii. Locations expected to experience flash flooding include:

• Kailua-Kona
• Captain Cook
• Kealakekua
• Kainaliu
• Honaunau
• Honalo
• Kahaluu-Keauhou
• Holualoa
• Kalaoa
• Pohakuloa Training Area
• Kona International Airport
• Milolii
• Hawaii Volcanoes Park Kahuku Unit

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they appear dry at this time. Be prepared for potential public road closures and exercise extreme caution in steep terrain where landslides are possible.

Expected Conditions

At 6:04 PM HST, weather radar indicated heavy rain falling over the Kona western slopes of the Big Island. Rain is falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Hazards include flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas. Flash flooding is either currently ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Timeline

The Flash Flood Warning was issued at 6:04 PM HST on March 14 and is currently scheduled to remain in effect until 7:45 PM HST on March 14.