Hawaii Island Flood Information # 3 Update for January 12th, 2020
Notice Level: Urgent (Action Needed - Update # 3 for 1/12/2020)
Once again, National Weather Service has extended the Flash Flood Warning for the East Hawaii Districts of Hawaii Island until 1:30 pm Sunday afternoon (January 12th). Reports of Rainfall rates of 2-3 inches per hour were recorded in a South Hilo and Hamakua Rain Gauges. Heavy rains have been recorded in gauges from Upolu Point to South Point.
Wailuku River height peaked at 21.4-feet with a discharge flow rate of 50,100 cubic feet per second on Saturday. The river level and discharge rate had slowly decreased since Saturday evening. Residences along the Wailuku River corridor continue to be on notice to prepare to evacuate if needed, should conditions worsen. Other rivers around the East Hawaii area remain elevated levels and were slowly decreasing.
Rain also began falling in parts of West Hawaii, however, no significant amounts were recorded as of 11:00 am Sunday morning. No Advisories or Warnings were in effect for West Hawaii districts.
Numerous road closures were still in effect as of 11:15 am Sunday morning. 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 PM HST. * At 1022 AM HST, radar showed moderate rain occurring over most of the Big Island, with some embedded heavy showers, however significant flooding impacts continue, primarily on the windward side. Big Island Civil Defense reports numerous road closures, due to heavy runoff and debris on roadways. Avoid unnecessary travel. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. SOURCE...Emergency management. IMPACT...Significant and life threatening flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low lying areas. Multiple public road closures expected, as well as landslides in steep terrain. * Some locations that will experience flooding include... Windward Big Island from Upolu Point to Honokaa to Hilo to South Point. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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. Find an alternate route. Turn around, don`t drown. && This warning may need to be extended beyond 130 PM HST if heavy rain persists.
Road Closures in effect as of 11:30 am Sunday morning:
Saddle Road (or Daniel K. Inouye Highway) from Old Saddle Road to 9-mile marker.
Highway 11 from 56 to 62-mile markers at Kawa Flats in Ka'u.
Wood Valley Road in Ka'u
Highway 11 at the 16-mile marker at Mauna Loa Drive in Puna.
South Kopua Road and Kahikopele Street in Puna
Bayfront Highway from Waianuenue to Kamehameha Avenue
Kamehameha Avenue from Ponahawai Street to Pauahi Street
Pauahi Street between Kamehameha Avenue to Aupuni Street