Let it rain and let it snow

Courtesy image This image captured from a webcam on Maunakea shows conditions on the mountain shortly before 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.
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A flash flood watch and winter storm warning were extended through today.

Hawaii County Civil Defense said residents should be on alert for heavy rains, flooding, thunder and lightning.

Snow accumulation up to 12 inches is expected on summits above 12,000 feet. Maunakea and Mauna Loa summits remained closed Wednesday as a precaution.

Ryan Lyman, forecast meteorologist with the Maunakea Weather Center, said in an email Wednesday between 6 and 9 inches might have fallen on the summits so far, though “sensors on the summit don’t really give a good representation of the snowfall and blowing snow compounds observations.”

The National Weather Service in Honolulu also issued a high surf advisory through today for east-facing shores of Kohala, Hamakua, Hilo and Puna. The highest surf is expected to occur during high tide periods, including at 5:15 a.m. today.

Oceanfront residents and beachgoers are advised to be on alert for high and dangerous surf. Residents also are advised to expect possible interruptions in utility services and to be on alert for malfunctioning traffic signals, should power outages occur.

Email Kirsten Johnson at kjohnson@hawaiitribune-herald.com.