East Hawaii Flood Information Update # 2 for January 11th, 2020
Notice Level: Urgent (Action Needed - Update # 2)
Flash Flood Warning is now in effect for the East Hawaii Districts of Hawaii Island until 1:30 am Sunday morning (January 12th). Reports of Rainfall rates of 2+ inches per hour was recorded in a South Hilo Rain Gauge. Heavy rains have been recorded in gauges from Honoka'a to South Point.
Wailuku River height peaked at 20.7-feet with a discharge flow rate of 40,100 cubic feet per second. The river level is expected to rise as rainfall continues. Residences along the Wailuku River corridor were put on notice to prepare to evacuate if needed.
NWS Alerts were sent to residents throughout East Hawaii as flooding is imminent or occurring.
Numerous road and lane closures were in effect as of 10:15 pm Saturday evening. Also, no evacuation orders have been made at this time. The Afook-Chinen Auditorium - Butler Building shelter has been opened and any residences wanting to evacuate should do so before flooding occurs.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... The island of Hawaii in Hawaii County
* Until 130 AM HST. * At 1016 PM HST, radar and rain gages indicated heavy rainfall over the windward and southeast facing slopes of the Big Island. The most intense area of rainfall was over the slopes from Hilo to South Point with rates of more than 2 inches per hour. This rainfall will cause the water levels in already swollen streams to rise further. Heavy rain along the Hamakua Coast will also cause flooding problems along Belt Highway between Honomu and Honokaa. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by heavy rain. SOURCE...Radar and rain gages. IMPACT...Flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas. Public road closures possible in some areas. Landslides are possible in steep terrain. * Some locations that will experience flooding include... Hilo, Naalehu, Waipio Valley, Orchidlands Estates, Hawi, Pepeekeo, Keaau, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kawa Flats, Pahoa, Kapaau and Hawaiian Acres. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring within the warned area. Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are currently dry. Do not cross fast flowing water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn around, don`t drown. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. The heavy rains may cause rock and mudslides in steep terrain areas. && This warning may need to be extended beyond 130 AM HST if heavy rain persists.