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Flood advisory in effect for Hawaii County

UPDATE: 5 P.M.

The flood advisory for Hawaii island has been extended until 7:15 p.m. today. The Maui advisory expired at 5 p.m.

Both lanes of Highway 19 near Maulua Gulch have reopened. Police had closed one lane after rocks and debris had covered portions of the highway.

1:45 P.M.

Hawaii County police reported at 1:27 p.m. that a landslide occurred in North Hilo due to heavy rainfall and water runoff.

Police have closed one lane on Highway 19 near the 22-mile marker at Maulua Gulch.

The National Weather Service has extended its flood advisory for Hawaii County until at least 4:15 p.m. A winter weather advisory is also in effect for Big Island summits until 12 p.m. Monday.

A high surf advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. Monday for east-facing shores of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and Hawaii island.

Maui has a flash flood watch in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday. Oahu’s flood advisory has expired.

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A flash flood warning is in effect for Maui County until 12:30 p.m. today, while a flood advisory is in effect for Oahu and Hawaii island until 1:15 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

At 9:59 a.m., the weather radar on Maui indicated heavy rain passing over the windward portions of Haleakala, affecting Nahiku to Hana to Kaupo, according to the advisory. At 10:08 a.m., the radar indicated heavy rain persistently moving over Oahu from the east with rainfall rates between one and two inches resulting in periods of “very low visibility.”

The advisory for Maui warns of flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas. In addition, road closures and landslides are possible. Locations affected include Kipahulu, Kaupo, Nahiuku, Hana, Keanae, Haleakala National Park, Wailua and Hamoa.

“Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are currently dry. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown. The heavy rains may cause rock and mudslides in steep terrain areas,” according to the advisory for Maui.

The advisory for Oahu warns people to stay away from streams, drainage ditches, and low-lying areas prone to flooding. Locations in the advisory include, but are not limited to Waiahole, Kahaluu, Waikane, Ahuimanu, Kaaawa, Moanalua, Kaneohe, Punaluu, Wahiawa and Maunawili.

At 11:09 a.m., radar showed heavy showers affecting the South Hilo and Puna districts. Rainfall rates were up to 2 inches per hour with “dangerously low visibility.”

“Rainfall and runoff will also cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown,” according to the advisory for Oahu.

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