Heavy rains from departing Hurricane Nolo close major roads across the Big Island

Heavy rain from Hurricane Nolo prompted flood advisories and an extended flood watch on Hawaiʻi Island, even as the storm moved west away from the Big Island and hurricane and tropical storm alerts were discontinued. The National Weather Service warned that saturated ground and continued rain could cause localized flash flooding, particularly on windward and southeast slopes, and extended the islandwide flood watch until 6 a.m. Sunday. Flooding closed sections of Highway 11 near Waiʻōhinu and between Nāʻālehu and Pāhala, along with Kaʻalāiki Road near Nāʻālehu; officials urged motorists to avoid affected areas. Rain was falling at roughly half an inch to an inch per hour, and the flood advisory for southeastern areas was extended until 12:45 a.m. Sunday.
Hawaiian Electric crews were working to restore power to about 30 customers in Lower Puna, according to a report at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
County officials said shelters remained open and advised residents in flood-affected Nāʻālehu and Waiʻōhinu to prepare for more rain and consider taking refuge outside flood-prone areas.
The National Weather Service advised people to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and other low-lying areas prone to flooding.
Flooding was also reported along Highway 11 near Honuapo and Kaʻawa, and officials established roadblocks at the Nāʻālehu Police Station and Punaluʻu Road.
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