Hawaii Island Weather Information Update # 5 for January 12th, 2020
Notice Level: Non-Urgent (Information Update Needed)
The National Weather Service (NWS) has canceled the Flash Flood Warning for East Hawaii Districts as of 7:45 pm Sunday evening. Conditions are slightly improving throughout the island.
Flash Flood Watch for Hawaii Island remains in effect until Monday afternoon (January 13th). Due to the saturated grounds, the possibility of flash flooding to occur is high through Monday.
Brown Water Advisory is up for East Hawaii waters due to the heavy runoff from the winter storm rainfall.
Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6:00 pm Monday Evening (January 13th). Blizzard-like conditions are happening at the summit and snowfall accumulations of 4-inches are expected through tonight.
All Major Roadways have been reopened, with the exception of Bayfront Highway and Kamehameha Avenue.
This will be the last statement for this storm event unless further information released/received or conditions worsen. Stay Safe and Have a Good Night. - HIRSC Team in UT, NV, & CA.
Synopsis:
Wet and windy weather will continue through Monday. The threat of heavy showers will gradually diminish later Monday into Wednesday as trade winds remain locally strong and gusty while delivering diminishing windward showers. Unsettled weather could return Thursday and Friday, with lighter winds. A trend toward drier trade wind weather is expected next weekend.
FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON... The Flash Flood Watch continues for * All Hawaiian Islands. * Through Monday afternoon. * The island atmosphere remains moist and unstable, and the ground in many windward and upslope areas is soaked from recent rainfall. Strong trade winds will deliver abundant moisture, while a low aloft continues to provide instability, potentially fueling locally heavy rainfall. Any heavy showers that develop will lead to runoff in streams and rivers, increasing the potential for flash flooding. 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. 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.
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST MONDAY * WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of up to 4 inches. * WHERE...Big Island Summits. * WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Monday. * IMPACTS...Snow, patchy black ice, and thick fog will make for very dangerous driving conditions, with visibility near zero at times. The road to the summit of Mauna Kea is closed, and the campground at Mauna Loa is closed. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Summit personnel reported significant accumulations and snow drifts on the upper portions of Mauna Kea. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet, and ice are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also possible. This will make travel near impossible. Any travel plans to the summits should be postponed until the threat diminishes.
All MAJOR ROADWAYS ARE OPEN AS OF 10:30 PM SUNDAY EVENING.
BAYFRONT HIGHWAY AND KAMEHAMEHA AVENUE REMAIN CLOSED DUE TO HEAVY PONDING.