As of 10am on Friday, February 17, the National Weather Service’s flash flood watch remains in effect for Hawaiʻi Island. A flash flood warning for Kaʻū and a flood advisory for the Puna and Hilo Districts are also in effect.
Hawaiʻi County officials have opened two shelters in Kaʻū. The shelters are located at the Nāʻālehu Community Center and the Robert Herkes Gymnasium in Pāhala. They will remain open throughout the day and possibly into the evening, pending need and weather.
At this time, multiple roads including Highway 19 at the 13 mile area at Honomu-one lane, Highway 11 in Kaʻū between Pahala and Naalehu, Railroad Avenue in Hilo between Kukila and Lanikaula are closed.
Additional road closures may occur at any time without warning.
Individuals should not attempt to cross flowing water in their vehicles or on foot.
Conditions are forecast to continue into Saturday.
For updated storm information and road closures visit the Hawaii County.gov.