US: Flash flood warning extended for the Island of Hawaii and flood watch in place for Maui early Nov. 5 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast to continue across parts of Hawaii Nov. 5. The US National Weather Service (NWS) has extended a flash flood warning in place for the Island of Hawaii in Hawaii County until at least 01:45 Nov. 5, and a flood watch remains in place across the Island of Hawaii and Maui through the afternoon Nov. 5. Officials could amend the warnings for the impacted areas and/or extend it to the surrounding regions on short notice over the coming hours. Due to heavy rainfall, Hawaii Island authorities opened two emergency shelters for residents on Nov. 4 at the Keaau Armory in Keaau and at the Robert N. Herkes Gym in Pahala. Several roads in the region are closed due to flooding, including Kopua Road, Pauahi Street, Pohaku Street, Kahikopele Street, and North Kulani Road.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly areas, especially where heavy rain saturates the soil.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites. Transport, electricity, and telecommunications disruptions are also possible in areas impacted by flooding.