Hawaii Island Flood Information # 4 Update for January 12th, 2020
Notice Level: Urgent (Action Needed - Update # 4 for 1/12/2020)
Once again, National Weather Service has extended the Flash Flood Warning for the East Hawaii Districts of Hawaii Island until 4:30 pm Sunday afternoon (January 12th). Reports of Rainfall rates of 2+ inches per hour were recorded in a South Hilo and Hamakua Rain Gauges.
Wailuku River and other East Hawaii Streams levels continue to remain elevated, however, were slowly decreasing as conditions continue to slowly improve. Flash Flood Watch for Hawaii Island remains in effect until Monday afternoon (January 13th). Brown Water Advisory has been issued for the waters of East Hawaii due to the heavy runoff and debris in the water.
Rain continues to fall throughout West Hawaii and the highest rainfall was recorded in Kapa'au at 3.26" and 3.07" in Honomalino. No advisories or warnings are in effect for the West Hawaii Districts.
Parts of Highway 11 between Mountain View to Kawa Flats remain closed due to heavy runoff and flooding.
Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Highway 200 or Saddle Road) and Highway 19 (Hamakua way/route) are now open to all traffic. Drive with caution as conditions can change.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... The island of Hawaii in Hawaii County
* Until 430 PM HST. * At 120 PM HST, emergency management reported that significant flooding impacts continued across windward Big Island, with numerous road closures reported. In addition, radar showed newly- developed heavy showers affecting the area from Hilo to Volcano to Pahala that were spreading upslope, and toward the Hamakua District. 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 Kohala, Hamakua, Hilo, Puna and Kau Districts. 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 430 PM HST if flooding continues.
Road Closures in effect as of 1:30 pm Sunday morning:
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
The following roadways have since been reopened to all traffic:
Highway 19 between Honoka'a and Lakeland Subdivision in Waimea
Highway 200 (Daniel K. Inouye Highway or Saddle Road) between Old Saddle Road and 9-mile marker.