HILO — Nearly a foot of water has fallen on Hilo within the last week, with still more expected throughout the upcoming days.
According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hilo has received approximately 10.5 inches of rain since Feb. 19, and with a high likelihood of showers continuing this week, that number is all but certain to rise.
With one day left in the month, February already has seen 5 more inches of rainfall than the historical average for the month. On two separate occasions, Feb. 22 and Feb. 24, more than 3 inches of rain were recorded in Hilo in one day.
Most days in the last week averaged around 1 inch of rain, with only Feb. 19, 20 and 21 recording substantially less than 1 inch of rain. Every other day since the Feb. 15 received nearly 1 inch of rain or more.
Kona also was wetter than normal. According to NOAA data, more than 1.5 inches fell on the Kona NOAA station on Feb. 18 in a month that, on average, typically only receives 1.35 inches of rain.
Most other days in the past week were dry in Kailua-Kona, receiving little less than a fifth of an inch at most. However, 1.89 inches fell on Kailua-Kona on Feb. 15.
The wettest part of the island this week was, as usual, the Saddle Quarry, which saw nearly 9 inches of rain Saturday and Sunday alone. However, Honokaa saw the highest single-day rainfall, receiving 5.8 inches of rain on Feb. 19, a day in which very few other sites on the island received even a single inch. For the remainder of the week, Honokaa received very little rainfall, typically less than one-tenth of an inch.
Other particularly damp windward areas include Piihonua (14.51 inches in the past week), Papaikou (13.54 inches), Mountain View (12.77 inches), Glenwood (9.7 inches) and Pahoa (8.1 inches).
Other areas with high rain totals include Kapapala Ranch (8.66 inches), Pahala (7.39 inches), and Kealakomo (6.71 inches).
This week will not bring respite from the rains on the windward side of the island. At least a 60 percent chance of rain is predicted each day until Thursday in Hilo. At the same time, a wind advisory is in effect for Hilo until 6 p.m. Wednesday, while a high surf advisory for windward shores extends until 6 a.m. Friday.
Residents are advised to exercise caution while driving and while near the shoreline.
Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com
