Hawaii Island Flash Flood Warning extended until 8 a.m.

UPDATE: (6:15 a.m.) Flash Flood Warning extended until 8 a.m.

HILO, Hawaii – The Flash Flood Warning for windward Hawaii Island has been extended yet again. This message is from the National Weather Service:

National Weather Service, Dec. 29, 2013

“Heavy rains and thunderstorms continues to diminish across the Hamakua Coast… The Hilo and Puna areas of the Big Island. However, streams remains elevated and ponding of roads and highways persist on many areas. Also, conditions remains ripe for additional rains the next few hours where it will not take much to produce flash flooding. Locations in the warning include but are not limited to Waipio Valley.. Paauilo… Laupahoehoe… Hilo… and Pahoa. Precautionary/preparedness actions… A flash flood warning means flash flooding is imminent or occurring in streams… Roads and low lying areas. Move to higher ground now. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot. Turn around… Don’t drown.”

It has been quite a day of rain, especially on the Hamakua Coast. As of 8:45 p.m. HST on Monday, automated rain gage reports from around the State of Hawaii, posted to the National Weather Service website, show 12.53 inches of rain have fallen at the site of Island Dairy in Ookala in the last 24 hours. Honokaa got 7.06 inches in the same time period. Hilo Airport measured 8 inches, while Waiakea Uka measured 7.7 inches.

Wind has been a problem for some folks, as well. The Hawaii County Fire Department says two thirds of the roof was blown off of a single family residence on Hoopuni Street at Iloko in Downtonn Hilo. It landed 3 lots away on the street. A fire dispatch blamed inclement weather, and “reports of a possible micro tornado”.

According to fire officials:

While in the air, the roof section struck the top of a 30 ft tall power pole, dislodging the cross beam and high tension power lines. Heavy water damage to the residence and it’s content ensued. HFD personnel moved all salvageable items to the remaining 1/3 of home which still had the roof attached. 2 occupants were at home at the time, with one sustaining minor injuries.