Forecasted…20 to 25 inches of rainfall in isolated areas of Hawaii Island

This is a Civil Defense Weather update for Sunday morning, December 5^th.

The National Weather Service has issued the following weather statement;

A Flood Watch for the State and Island of Hawaii remains in effect through Tuesday.

The National Weather Service forecasts this to be a Catastrophic Flooding Event with 20 to 25 inches of rainfall in isolated areas of Hawaii Island. Know that rain events of this magnitude can affect areas that do not usually flood.

Due to the Flood Watch, conditions are favorable for flash flooding and the following are in effect:

All Residents in flood prone areas are asked to remain alert for flooding conditions.

Be prepared for sudden road closures, possible landslides, downed trees, and utility disruptions.

Do not cross fast flowing water in your vehicle or on foot. Turn around don’t drown.

If lightning threatens your area, the safest place to be is indoors.

Due to the possible severity of weather forecast for today, Civil Defense encourages all non-essential outdoor activity and travel be suspended until conditions improve.

A Wind Advisory for Hawaii Island remains in effect through Monday for winds from the southerly direction up to 50mph. Winds this strong can bring down trees and cause road closures and utility disruptions. Secure outdoor items before the winds begin.

A High Surf Warning for west and north facing shores of Hawaii Island continues through Monday for surf up to 30 feet. Surf of this size is extremely life threatening and may cause damage to boats and shoreline property.

Due to the High Surf Warnings all beach parks are closed today.

The National Weather Service Blizzard Warning continues for the summits of Hawaii Island through today and the High Wind Warning for the summits through Monday. Know that summit roads are closed to the public at this time.