Lightning flashed and thunder rolled as storms passed over Hilo overnight and continued into Thursday morning.
By approximately 9:30 a.m. today (Thursday, April 11), 1.28 inches of rain was measured in Hilo over the previous 24 hours, according to Melissa Dye, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
“There is still that flash flood watch that does go through (Friday) evening, so definitely rain is not over quite yet,” she said.
Dye said there is an “upper low” weather system perched near the state causing atmospheric instability, so “we can continue to see heavy rain through Friday and Saturday.”
During a flash flood watch, motorists are urged to drive with caution as road closures can occur without notice, and should not cross fast moving water.
Just after 10 a.m. today, the NWS issued flood advisory for the Big Island as heavy rains moved onshore in East Hawaii. That advisory remains in effect until 1:15 p.m.
A high surf advisory is also in place for east-facing shores through 6 p.m. Sunday, and a wind advisory is in place for the South Kohala District through 6 a.m. Friday.
The NWS has also issued a winter weather advisory for Big Island summits above 11,000 feet, which include the summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa, which is in effect until 6 a.m. Saturday.
Some snow has already fallen at the summit of Maunakea and according to the advisory, 1-3 inches of snow is expected.
The Maunakea summit access road is currently closed at the 9,200 elevation due to high humidity, freezing temperature and snow with icy road conditions.
Email Stephanie Salmons at ssalmons@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
