Updated at 6:21 p.m., Saturday, February 2, 2008
Big Island hit by heavy rains
Advertiser Staff
Heavy rain is pounding the windward side of the Big Island, particularly Hilo, Puna and Ka'u where roads are flooded, sandbags are being requested by country road crews and a shelter has been opened, according to Big Island civil defense.The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning, meaning flooding is occurring, through 2 p.m. tomorrow, said Wes Browning, director of operations. Mayor Harry Kim declared the areas of Puna, Ka'u and Hilo a state of emergency at 1:30 p.m. today, said Pat Engelhard, a county of Hawai'i Department of Parks and Recreation director.
Rain is expected to continue through the night, as trade wind weather mixes with an upper level low causing unstable air.
"The Big Island is just getting hammered with moderate to heavy rain," Browning said. "We don't see it letting up. Just continuing to rain, pummeled by heavy rain."
The Hawai'i County Civil Defense Agency urged residents to stay home because roadways and highways are flooded especially for the Waiakea Uka areas and residents below Kupulau Road. The shelter is open at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium by the American Red Cross.
More than 18 inches of rain has fallen in the past 24 hours in the Waiakea Uka area. More than nine inches has fallen during the same period in Hakalau area. On Maui, however, nearly seven inches of rain has been reported in the Waiuluaiki area.
The rainy weather also will affect the rest of the state later tonight and through 2 p.m. tomorrow, Browning said.
