Rain, rain, and more rain! Animation of forecast precipitation totals Wed-Sat afternoon. Flooding & landslides a big concern with #HurricaneLane. #HIwx pic.twitter.com/HQCnyBkH40
— NWSHonolulu (@NWSHonolulu) August 23, 2018
POLICE UPDATE 6:32 p.m.: Akoni Pule Hwy (Route 270) at the 24-mile marker in North Kohala is now OPEN in both directions. Please drive safely and be aware of debris at the roadside.
Hawaii County Police 8:04 a.m. Advisory: Akoni Pule Highway (Route 270) is closed near the 24-mile marker in North Kohala due to a landslide. State Highways is on-scene working to clear the roadway of debris.
Police Advisories
- Police are advising the public to remain off the streets and roadways in the South Hilo District due to extreme weather from Hurricane Lane that is causing flooding and heavy runoff. Do not drive on the roadways and streets unless absolutely necessary.
- All county parks are closed due to the weather conditions. County crews are posting signs and barricades at problem areas. Do not enter these high-risk areas.
- Avoid Kaalaiki Road (Ka‘u), just above (mauka) of Naalehu Town, road closed due to flooding.
Flash Flood Warning
At 9:15 p.m. HST, weather radar and rain gauges continue to show areas of heavy rain along the windward and southeast sections of Hawaii Island, with the heaviest rains focusing upslope of Hilo in the Wailuku River valley, and along the slopes of Hamakua coast from Laupahoehoe to Honokaa. Flash flooding is ongoing across the warned area, with Hawaii County Civil Defense reporting that evacuations are occurring in the Reeds Island area of Hilo along the Wailuku River. Water levels on the Wailuku River and Honolii Stream remain very high, with the level on the Wailuku River having risen about 5 feet between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. HST. Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Route 200/Saddle Road) is currently closed near the 10.5 mile marker above Hilo due to a landslide. Bands of heavy rain will continue moving into Hawaii Island during the night. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. AVOID UNNECESSARY TRAVEL.
Locations in the warning include, but are not limited to, Hilo, Naalehu, Paauilo, Waipio Valley, Orchidlands Estates, Kukuihaele, Hawi, Pepeekeo, Keaau, Honokaa, Ookala and Hawaiian Paradise Park.
This warning may need to be extended beyond 12:45 a.m. HST Friday (Aug 24) if heavy rain persists.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
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. Excessive runoff may cause rockslides and mudslides in steep terrain. Remember, if lightning does threaten your area, the safest place to be is indoors.
Debris in streams and gulches may clog bridges and culverts resulting in flooding outside normal water channels causing damage.
Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown.
For links to the latest weather forecasts, reports, radar and satellite imagery visit our Weather Page at hawaii247.com/weather
This is a Hawaii County Civil Defense message for August 23, 2018
This is a Roadway Condition update; Hawaii Police Department reports multiple road impacts due to the heavy rains from Hurricane Lane.
Mamalahoa Highway (Route 19) is partially blocked in multiple areas due to landslides. Police and Department of Transportation crews are responding to the rock slides, debris, and water on the roadway. This roadway is extremely hazardous due to debris and water on the roadway.
Crews are working to clear one lane of Akoni Pule Highway in Hawi at about the 24 mile-marker for emergency purposes. There are undermined trees above the road so it will not be opened to the public until arborists determine it is safe.
The following roadways remain closed:
- Kamehameha Avenue between Pauahi and Ponahawai
- Pauahi Street
- Kukila Street
- East Kawailani Street from Awapuhi to Nohona Street
- Pohaku from 39th to 40th in Orchidland Estates
- Bay Front Highway
- Laupahoehoe Point Road
Due to the Flash Flooding on the Roadways the following advisories are issued:
- Stay off the roadways if at all possible due to hazardous driving conditions of poor visibility, debris on roadway and ponding or flowing water.
- Conditions will continue to deteriorate throughout the day as Hurricane Lane moves by the island and winds increase.
- Other roadways may become impassable at any time without notice.
- Drivers and persons on foot are reminded do not cross fast flow water, turn around don’t drown.
This is your Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency
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