The National Weather Service has issued a flash food warning for East Hawaii until 11 p.m. tonight and a flash flood watch for West Hawaii through 6 a.m. Tuesday.
“While the entire island is under the threat, the greatest risk for flooding will be along the windward slopes,” according to the weather service.
These alerts replace the pre-exisiting warning and watch, which were issued earlier today. The flash flood warning may also need to be extended beyond 11 p.m. if flash flooding persists, the weather service stated.
At 7:48 p.m., the weather service said radar showed heavy rain near Keaau or about 9 miles south of Hilo. The area of heavy rain was nearly stationary.
The affected locations the flash flood warning applies to include, but are not limited to Waipio Valley, Paauilo, Laupahoehoe and Hawaiian Paradise Park. It means flash flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads and low-lying areas. Residents in the affected areas should move to higher ground. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in vehicles or on foot.
As for the flash food watch, it applies to the Kona, Kohala, Ka’u Districts, as well as the island’s interior. According to the weather service, the potential for locally heavy showers, thunderstorms and flash flooding will continue through the rest of tonight. Heavy rains during the past 24 hours have led to already saturated grounds.
For more information about the flash flooding warning and watch, visit https://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl.