The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a flash flood warning for the Island of Hawaii until 2 p.m.
According to NWS, at 11:30 a.m., radar and rain gauges indicated that rainfall has intensified over the Ka‘u and Puna Districts of the Big Island. Peak rain rates have reached 2-3 inches per hour near Mountain View and Pahala. Hawaii County Civil Defense reported that the Highway 11 between mile markers 57-60 near Kawa Flats has been partially closed. Continued runoff may completely close the highway.
Some locations that will likely experience flash flooding include Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Wood Valley, Volcano, Pahala, Glenwood, Punaluu Beach, Kawa Flats, Mountain View, Naalehu, Hawaiian Acres, Orchidland Estates, Keaau, Pahoa, Hawaiian Ocean View, Papaikou, Fern Forest and Eden Roc.
People are advised to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts — even if they are currently dry.
Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown.
NWS could extend this warning beyond 2 p.m. if flooding continues.