Hawaii Island Information Update for January 10th, 2020
Notice Level: Advisory (Information Update Needed)
A Flood Advisory for East Hawaii districts remains in effect until 10:30 pm Friday evening (January 10th). Rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour had peaked in the South Hilo and Puna districts. (See Island Rainfall Rates in the post)
Flash Flood Watch for Hawaii Island remains in effect until 7:00 pm Saturday evening (January 11th). Heavy showers and the chance of thunderstorms are possible through tomorrow afternoon.
Winter Weather Advisory for the summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa remains is in effect until 6:00 am Saturday morning (January 11th). Snowfall accumulation up to 4-inches is expected in some parts of the summit.
As of 7:15 pm Friday evening, there were no reports of outages to cable, phone, or power, road or lane closures, or any storm-related damage to report at this time.
The HIRSC team will continue to monitor the conditions over the next few days and any changes, we will provide an update as information becomes available.
Synopsis:
Wet and windy weather will continue with periods of heavy rain, especially over windward and mauka areas. An upper level low developing west of Kauai will bring an increased threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms over the weekend. Winds will diminish slightly over the weekend and shift from the east to- southeast. Expect wet trade wind weather during the first half of next week.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the * Flood advisory for... The island of Hawaii in Hawaii County * Until 1030 PM HST. * At 708 PM HST, radar showed bands of heavy rainfall moving over the windward slopes of the Big Island. Peak rain rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour were mainly occurring over the South Hilo and Puna Districts. The ground is saturated and stream levels were elevated. Periods of heavy rainfall will continue into the night. * Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to... Hilo, Paauilo, Waipio Valley, Orchidlands Estates, Pepeekeo, Keaau, Honokaa, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Pahoa, Kapaau, Hawaiian Acres and Glenwood. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding. Rainfall and runoff will also cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn around, don`t drown. && This advisory may need to be extended beyond 1030 PM HST if heavy rain persists.
FLASH FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON... The Flash Flood Watch is now in effect for * Maui and the Big Island. * Through Saturday afternoon * An unstable airmass will move over the islands tonight and into the weekend, bringing an increase in enhanced showers across the area but primarily the eastern islands. While showers will be possible over most areas, the areas most susceptible to flooding will be windward locations which have already received rain this week. * The extended period of rain could cause flooding in low spots which could make some roadways impassable. Debris in streams and gulches may clog bridges and culverts. Strong winds may cause tree branches to fall which will potentially add to the amount of debris. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions are favorable for flash flooding. Flash flooding is LIFE-THREATENING. Do not cross fast flowing water in your vehicle or on foot. Monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. If you experience heavy rain or rising water, head to higher ground immediately.
WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Northeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * WHERE...Molokai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the northern Big Island. The strongest winds will be through gaps as well as over and downslope of ridges. On the Big Island this includes areas over and downslope of the Kohala mountains. On Maui this includes areas in and around Kahului southward through Maalea Bay. * WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Winds this strong can down trees and large branches and cause sporadic power outages. Driving may be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Wind Advisory means that sustained winds of at least 30 mph, or gusts of at least 50 mph, are expected. Motorists should use extra caution.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST SATURDAY * WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to 3 inches. * WHERE...Big Island Summits. * WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Blowing snow may significantly reduce visibility at times, with periods of zero visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet, or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities and use caution while driving.