The Big Island spent most of Tuesday under a flash flood advisory as heavy rain pelted Hilo and Puna.
At 2:36 p.m. radar showed heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms moving onto saturated windward slopes of the island, the National Weather Service said. Gauges and radar showed widespread showers producing rain at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour with isolated heavier showers.
Included in the advisory were Hilo, Naalehu, Paauilo, Waipio Valley, Orchidlands Estates, Kukuihaele, Hawi, Pepeekeo, Keaau, Honokaa, Ookala and Hawaiian Paradise Park.
The weather service warned that the deluge could lead to rising streams and ponding on roads.
The Hawaii Police Department reported poor driving conditions in Hamakua, Hilo, Puna and Kau due to the downpours. The Department of Public Works reported two road closures in Hilo due to flooding: East Kawailani Street, between Kamalii Street and Hoonani Place; and Kukila Street off Railroad Avenue.
Meanwhile the state Health Department issued a brown-water advisory Tuesday for coastal waters from Hamakua to Kalapana due to stormwater runoff. The public was advised to stay out of floodwaters and stormwater runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, sewer, manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals and associated flood debris.
A brown-water advisory also was issued for Honolua Bay on Maui.
The weather service also sent out a winter weather advisory for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in expectation of snow and freezing rain. The advisory was in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday to at least 6 a.m. today.
Ice on the roads will make for slippery conditions, and visibility was expected to be near zero, the agency said.
