After a night of intense rain that prompted a flood advisory on Hawaii Island, forecasters expect the worst to be over by Friday afternoon.
Key points
- The flood advisory for the northwest Hāmākua Coast ended at 1:15 a.m. Friday.
- Rainfall rates of 1–3 inches per hour were recorded Thursday night over Waipiʻo Valley and nearby areas.
- Minor flooding and possible impassable low‑water crossings were forecast for several valleys and communities.
- Friday is expected to bring lighter showers and more stable weather statewide, improving conditions for Halloween activities.
A flood advisory that covered the northwest Hāmākua Coast of Hawaiʻi Island remained in effect until 1:15 a.m. Friday, when officials lifted it after the heaviest rain subsided.
Doppler radar at 10:13 p.m. Thursday showed rain falling at 1 to 3 inches per hour over the Waipiʻo Valley and west of Kukuihaele, prompting concerns about rapid runoff and localized flooding.
Flood advisory lifted early Friday
Excessive rainfall was expected to cause minor flooding on roads, in poorly drained areas and in streams, with low‑water crossings in places such as Kapaʻau, Waimanu Valley, Pololū Valley, and Kamuela potentially becoming impassable.
Forecasters anticipate that only isolated heavy rain will linger into Friday for windward sections of East Maui and windward Hawaiʻi Island, while more stable conditions should dominate the state by Friday afternoon, easing concerns for Halloween trick‑or‑treating.
Heavy rain rates Thursday night
The HNN First Alert Weather Team, which declared Thursday a First Alert Weather Day for Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island, said it will continue to monitor the situation and issue alerts if conditions change.
Reader questions
When was the flood advisory for the Hāmākua Coast lifted?
The advisory was lifted at 1:15 a.m. on Friday, after the heaviest rain had passed.
Which areas are still expected to see rain on Friday?
Isolated heavy rain may still affect windward East Maui and windward Hawaiʻi Island, but most of the state should see calmer conditions by Friday afternoon.
Will Halloween trick‑or‑treating be affected by the weather?
Forecasters expect scattered showers mainly in windward and mauka areas, but overall conditions should be suitable for Halloween activities.
Source: hawaiinewsnow.com
