Hawaii Island Weather Update for January 11th, 2020
Notice Level: Advisory (Information Update Needed)
The following weather advisories continue to remain in effect for the Island of Hawaii:
Flood Advisory for North, South, and East Hawaii remains in effect until 9:45 am Saturday morning (January 11th). Rain was falling at rates of up to 2 inches per hour from Upolu Point to South Point. (See Island Rainfall Rates in Update)
Flash Flood Watch for Hawaii Island has been extended through Sunday afternoon. Unstable and wet conditions are expected to continue through Saturday into Sunday. Heavy showers and the possibility of thunderstorms are expected to continue through the weekend.
Winter Weather Advisory for the summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa will remain in effect until 6:00 am Sunday morning (January 12th). Snowfall accumulations up to 4-7 inches are expected through Saturday on parts of the summit of Maunakea and Mauna Loa.
HPD reports a couple of road closures in North and East Hawaii related to the weather at this time and HECO reports no outages at this time. Hawaiian Telcom, Spectrum, and other telecommunications/cable carriers have reported no outages or issues related to the weather, however, all companies also advised that any outage could happen without notice.
Synopsis:
The persistent wet and windy pattern in place is here to stay, likely into early next week as an upper disturbance continues to influence the local weather. Brisk easterly trade winds will continue through the weekend, then gradually shift out of the east to southeast direction early next week as low pressure develops west of Kauai. This pattern will support the potential for localized flash flooding through the weekend, especially over windward and mountain areas where soils remain saturated from the steady rainfall over the past few days. Later next week, another surge of moisture moving into the area ahead of an approaching front may keep the rainfall chances up.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a
* Flood advisory for:
The island of Hawaii in Hawaii County
* Until 945 AM HST.
* At 648 AM HST, radar indicated heavy rain showers across windward
Big Island from South Point to Upolu Point. Rain was falling at a
rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Heavy rain showers are expected to
continue to impact windward Big Island through the morning.
* Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to...
Hilo, Naalehu, Paauilo, Waipio Valley, Orchidlands Estates, Hawi,
Pepeekeo, Keaau, Honokaa, Ookala, Hawaiian Paradise Park and Kawa
Flats.
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 945 AM HST if heavy rain
persists.
This Flood Advisory replaces the previously issued Flood Advisory
that was in effect for portions of the island of Hawaii in Hawaii
County.
A Flash Flood Watch is also in effect for the Big Island through
Sunday afternoon.
FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON
The Flash Flood Watch continues for
* Kahoolawe, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Niihau, Oahu and the
Big Island.
* Through Sunday afternoon
* An upper level low to the west, combined with enhanced low
level moisture and strong trade winds will bring the possibility
of flash flooding. Although heavy rain will be possible over
leeward locations, the areas most susceptible to flooding will
be windward and mountain locations, where grounds are already
saturated from previous rainfall.
* 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.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST SUNDAY
* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to 3 inches.
* WHERE...Big Island Summits.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Sunday.
* 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.
The Hawaii Police Department (HPD) and Hawaii County Civil Defense report the following road, lane, and park closures are currently in effect:
Highway 19 (Mamalahoa Highway/Hawaii Belt Road) near the 45-mile marker is closed to all traffic due to a large tree that fell onto the highway and State Highway crews continue to work to remove the tree and other debris from the roadway. Detour given was Old Mamalahoa Highway through Ahualoa.
Kamehameha Avenue/Bayfront Highway/Pauahi Street remains closed to due heavy runoff and ponding from the Alenaio River.
Road to the summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa remain closed until further notice due to winter weather conditions.
Coconut Island, Bayfront Parks, Onekahakaha, Kealoha, and Spencer Beach Park remain closed through Saturday.
HECO, Hawaiian Telcom, Spectrum, and other carriers report no outages at this time and can change without notice. Any changes, we will provide an update as it becomes available.