PHOTOS: Hail Observed on the Big Island

Image: Karlan Osorio

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was posted earlier this afternoon for the possibility of thunder, lightning and small hail for O’ahu, Maui County and the island of Hawai’i. At 3 p.m. the Watch was upgraded to a Warning for the Big Island with strong thunderstorms being observed along the slopes of Mauna Kea above Hilo. By 4 p.m. the warning was cancelled but the threat for small hail and gusty winds lingered for the Big Island.

These photos of small hail were taken earlier this evening. Around 5:30 p.m. Don Koshiro was driving from Hilo to Kona and encountered what looked like snow on the shoulder of Saddle Road around the 16 mile marker above Kaumana… when he pulled over he realized it was actually small hail.

CURRENT ALERTS FOR MAUI COUNTY (as of 8:30 p.m.):

Special Marine Warning: Windward Maui County waters until 10 p.m. A strong thunderstorm in that area is capable of winds of 34 knots or more, water spouts and small hail. The good news is, it’s expected to stay over open water.

Flood Watch: Posted through late tonight.

Small Craft Advisory: Windward waters through 6 a.m. Friday

**Click on image to enlarge.**

Image: Don & Hope Koshiro

Image: N. Basilio – 18 mile marker, Saddle Road

Image: Don & Hope Koshiro

Image: Don & Hope Koshiro