(BIVN) – A Flood Advisory was issued for the Kaʻū district on Thursday evening, as heavy rain was reported in the area.
“At 4:02 PM HST, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain over parts of the South Kona and Kaʻū Districts,” the National Weather Service reported. “Rain was falling at a rate of 0.5 to 1.5 inches per hour with the heaviest rain near Kahuku Ranch. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. Additional showers are expected through this evening.”
The National Weather Service says some locations that could experience flooding include Hawaiian Ocean View, Nāʻālehu, Kawa Flats, Punaluʻu Beach, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Park Kahuku Unit, Waiohinu, Discovery Harbour and Miloliʻi.
The Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense issued a radio alert, advising those in the area:
- Flooding can be life-threatening. Residents in flood prone areas are asked to remain alert for flooding conditions.
- Please drive with caution. Be on the alert for run-off, ponding of water, debris, and poor visibility.
- Do not attempt to cross flowing water in a vehicle or on foot; turn around, don’t drown.
On Wednesday night, a Flash Flood Warning was issued for the Kaʻū region as heavy rain flooded sections of Highway 11, closing the road in two places. Emergency officials opened the Nāʻālehu Elementary School Gymnasium as a shelter, and the Robert Herkes Gymnasium in Pāhala was opened to motorists wanting to wait out the highway closure.
