Thunder rolls over Hawaii, flood advisory in effect

HILO, Hawaii – The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a flood advisory for the Big Island until 2:45 p.m. HST, as thunder rolls over East Hawaii.

At 11:42 a.m. HST, meteorologists say the radar showed heavy showers and thunderstorms along windward slopes of Hawaii Island from Hakalau to Hawi. Stream gauges in Waipio Valley were also showing rises in water levels due to runoff.

Other locations in the advisory include but are not limited to Upolu Airport, Honokaa, Waimea, and Ookala.

The National Weather Service offered these precautionary/preparedness actions:

National Weather Service, Dec. 29, 2013

“Stay away from streams. Drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding. Rainfall and runoff will also cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding. Reduced visibility and poor braking action. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot. Turn around. Don’t drown.”

Meanwhile, the Big Island’s summit areas remain free of snow. Yesterday, no sooner did our report on the early morning dusting on Mauna Kea go viral than the snow melted away after a break in the clouds. The Mauna Kea Access Road remains open and webcams on the summit show clear conditions.