This is a Civil Defense hurricane update for Friday, August 24 at 6:00 in the morning.
The Tropical Storm Warning issued by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center continues for Hawaii County. The windward side of Hawaii Island is currently under a flash flood warning and experiencing conditions of heavy rains and flooding.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center reports as of 5:00 am that Hurricane Lane is a category 2 hurricane located approximately 145 miles WSW of Kailua-Kona with sustained winds of 110 mph, moving N at approximately 7 mph. Due to the slowing of the hurricane, dangerous heavy rains and flooding may persist for a period of time on the windward side of the Big Island.
Due to the flash flooding, the following major roads are closed:
- Highway 19 – both lanes are closed at mile marker 6
- Saddle Road – between mile marker 8 and 11
- Highway 250 (Kohala Mountain Road) – mile marker 13
Numerous secondary roads in Hilo, Puna, and Hamakua are closed so stay alert. Multiple other landslides are occurring on Highway 19 and other closures can occur without notice. At this time, Highway 11 is the only way to travel across the island.
Conditions are being monitored and you will be kept informed of major closures as best as possible. This is a very dangerous situation and heavy rains are expected to continue on the windward side of the Big Island.