HILO — Hawaii Island’s heaviest rainfalls are expected to taper off by today.
That assessment came from Vanessa Almanza, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu, but the rainfall that hit the island has already taken a bit of a toll.
One elderly Hawi woman was displaced because of water that got inside her downstairs apartment.
The Hawaii American Red Cross chapter responded to offer her referrals and take care of immediate needs, such as food and housing, said Debbie Weeks, Hawaii County director of disaster services.
The woman was safe and meeting with Red Cross volunteers Friday afternoon.
Overnight rains Thursday into Friday morning brought much-needed moisture to the area. But the storms also brought lightning, thunder and heavy downpours across East Hawaii.
Authorities reminded residents that the safest place, when lightning threatens, is indoors.
A flood advisory was issued Friday morning for Waikoloa, Puako, Kawaihae, Kohala, Waimea and the Waipio Valley.
Friday afternoon, Hawaii County sent an alert saying high surf was expected “to approach advisory levels along the shores of North Kohala, Hamakua, North and South Hilo and Puna from (Friday) through the weekend.”
The 24-hour rainfall total at Hilo International Airport as of Friday morning was 2.86 inches, with Pahoa getting 1.57 inches, Papaikou 3.92 inches and Glenwood 0.28 inches.
Although heavy downpours are expected to dissipate, chances of rainshowers will continue throughout the coming week, according to the online forecast from the weather service. But showers will only be “occasional” starting on Sunday.