Hurricane Ana floods roadways putting Hawaii's Big Island under Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the Big Island until 12 noon Saturday (Oct 18). At 9 a.m. rain gages at Kulani Cone above Glenwood showed heavy rain falling at two inches per hour. This area of heavy rain was nearly stationary. The heavy rains will continue to stream into the Ka'u and Puna districts over the next two to three hours.

The Hawaii Police Department reports that Highway 11 between the 57 and 58 mile marks between Pahala and Naalehu is closed to all traffic due to flooding. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and to use alternate routes if possible.

Campers and hikers should avoid low lying flood prone areas. People should stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding. The rainfall and runoff will 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. This warning may be extended beyond 12 noon if flash flooding persists.

High Surf Warning

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a High Surf Warning for West facing shores of the Big Island until 6 p.m. this evening (Oct 18).

Surf is forecast to be in the eight to 12 foot range.

Coastal areas can expect strong breaking waves, shore breaks and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous.

Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should heed the advice given by ocean safety officials and be careful. Know your limits and when in doubt, don't go out.

Boaters should expect recreational surfers and bodyboarders using harbor channels to access surfing areas.

Small Craft Advisory

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Small Craft Advisory until 6 p.m. this evening for Maui County Windward waters, Maalaea Bay, the Pailolo and Alenuihaha Channels, Big Island Windward, Leeward and Southeast waters.

Summit Wind Advisory and Roadway Closure

There is a Wind Advisory for Big Island summits until 6 p.m. this evening. The Mauna Kea summit Access Road is closed above the Visitor Information Station due to these high winds, heavy rains, lightning and roadway erosion.