Cold front moves over Maui County, heavy rain and thunderstorms in forecast

Most island remain under a flood watch through this afternoon as a cold front moves through Oʻahu and into the islands of Maui County this morning.

Threats for heavy rain, flooding and thunderstorms are possible mainly ahead of this front affecting Oʻahu through sunrise , and spreading eastward across islands in Maui County and the Big Island today through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

“More stable conditions with westerly winds will fill in rapidly behind the front for the western half of the state. East to southeasterly winds will develop across the region on Friday and Saturday with isolated to scattered showers forecast into early next week as another cold front approaches the islands from the northwest,” the NWS advises.

Flood Watch through this afternoon:

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island through this afternoon.

The public is advised to be aware of flood prone roads and other low-lying areas that may be impacted due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams. Urban areas may receive more significant flooding and property damage due to rapid runoff, according to the NWS.

Forecasters say conditions will be favorable for the development of heavy showers and thunderstorms today.

Special Weather Statement:

A Special Weather Statement was issued for Hawaiʻi Island until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. The National Weather Service says showers with strong gusty winds will impact portions of Hawaiʻi Island.

At 12:22 p.m., Doppler radar was tracking showers with strong gusty winds 14 miles southwest of Kahaluʻu-Keauhou, or 15 miles southwest of Kailua-Kona, moving northeast at 30 mph. Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph are expected.

Locations impacted include: Kailua-Kona, Captain Cook, Waikoloa Village, Puʻuanahulu, Hōnaunau, Kahaluu-Keauhou, Kainaliu, Honalo, Kealakekua, Kalaoa, Holualoa, Puakō, Kohala Ranch, Hawaiian Ocean View, Kamuela, Pōhakuloa Training Area, Kona International Airport, Miloliʻi, Waikōloa Beach and Mauna Lani.

Hawaiʻi Island Flood Advisory until 12:15 p.m., April 19, 2023

A Flood Advisory remains n effect until 12:15 p.m. this afternoon for Hawaiʻi island. At 10:27 a.m., radar showed rainfall rates are trendingdown, with pockets of 0.5 to 1.5 inches per hour, according to the NWS. Some locations that will experience flooding include: Kailua-Kona, Captain Cook, Waikoloa Village, Kapaʻau, Hōnaunau, Pōhakuloa Training Area, Kealakekua, Kainaliu, Holualoa, Kahaluʻu-Keauhou, Puʻuanahulu, Kalaoa, Wood Valley, Pāhala, Punaluʻu Beach, Kawa Flats, and Naʻalehu.

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Hawaiʻi Island Flood Warning extended to 8 a.m.:

The National Weather Service has extended a Flash Flood Warning for the island of Hawaiʻi until 8 a.m.

At 4:45 a.m., law enforcement reported Highway 11 remains closed in the vicinity of Kawa Flats around mile marker 60 due to water over the road. Light to moderate rain continues to fall at a rate of less than 0.5 inches per hour, according to the NWS.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Wood Valley, Pāhala, Punaluʻu Beach, Volcano, Kawa Flats, Naʻalehu, Fern Forest, Waiohinu, Discovery Harbour, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Park Kahuku Unit and Kalapana.