Heavy rains cause flooding in Kona area

Torrential rain prompted a flash flood warning for areas of Kona that remained in effect until 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service reported.

At 6:16 p.m., radar indicated very heavy rain over the lower Kona slopes, mainly between Keauhou and Kona International Airport. Rainfall rates of 2 to 4 inches were reported, forecasters said.

The Hawaii Police Department reported numerous hazardous driving conditions in the Kailua-Kona area and other road issues related to the heavy downpours. Areas of Kuakini Highway were impacted. Police reported the highway was closed at Oni Oni Street because of a large pothole created by the flooding. Motorists were also advised to avoid Queen Kaahumanu Highway by Puapuaanui Street as of press time.

A National Weather Service forecaster said the heavy rainfall was not caused by a weather front, but rather was the result of a normal daily cycle in which onshore sea breezes ascend the mountain slopes and interact with descending trade winds.

No official evacuation orders had been issued as of 7 p.m., however, some people did leave flooded properties.

Locations in the warning included, but were not limited to, Kailua-Kona, Captain Cook, Honaunau, Napoopoo, Kahaluu-Keauhou, Kealakekua, Keauhou and Holualoa.

A flash flood warning means that flooding is imminent or already occurring.