Heavy Downpours Hit Hawaii Island, Shelters Opened

Torrential rains cause flooding, landslides, and road closures

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Heavy downpours have been hitting the Big Island since Monday, causing flooding, landslides, and road closures.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the entire island, and the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency has opened shelters in Kona, Hilo, and Pahoa.

Shelters are open for those who need to evacuate

The shelters are located at the following addresses:

• Kona: Old Airport Park, 73-5576 Makalika Street
• Hilo: Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, 383 Kilauea Avenue
• Pahoa: Pahoa Community Center, 15-2561st Pahoa Village Road

Residents are urged to stay informed and be prepared to evacuate

The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency is urging residents to stay informed about the weather conditions and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Residents can sign up for emergency alerts by visiting the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency website at

The heavy rains are expected to continue through the week

The National Weather Service is forecasting that the heavy rains will continue through the week.

Residents are urged to take precautions to stay safe during the storm.

Here are some safety tips:

• Stay away from flooded areas.
• Do not drive through flooded roads.
• If you must walk through floodwaters, use a sturdy stick to help you keep your balance.
• Be aware of the risk of landslides.
• If you see any signs of a landslide, such as cracks in the ground or moving soil, move to a safe area immediately.

For more information on how to stay safe during a flood, visit the National Weather Service website at