As flooding clean-up begins, threat of heavy rains persists

Hail pounds parts of Hawaii Island as severe weather continues
Published: Feb. 18, 2018 at 2:37 AM HST|Updated: Feb. 19, 2018 at 4:01 PM HST
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(Image: Alex Kawamoto)
(Image: Alex Kawamoto)
(Image: Hawaii News Now)
(Image: Hawaii News Now)

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Drenching showers spurred widespread flooding statewide Sunday — and a big mess to clean up Monday.

A flash flood watch for the state was canceled Monday afternoon, but a flood advisory has been issued for the Big Island through 5:45 p.m.

About 2 p.m. Monday, a brief — but powerful — hailstorm was reported in Waiakea.

And at 3 p.m., the National Weather Service warned Big Island residents of a thunderstorm about 8 miles northeast of Hilo.

Officials have also issued a brown water advisory for the island of Oahu and are warning beachgoers to stay out of the water.

On Oahu this weekend, heavy thundershowers spurred widespread problems, especially on the North Shore.

Kamehameha Highway was closed for hours Sunday after flooding shut down all lanes from the Hygenic store to Kualoa Ranch.

Also Sunday, Honolulu firefighters responded to three vehicles stranded in fast-moving waters on the highway near Waikane Valley Road. Three people were rescued.

Rising waters also poured into homes and businesses.

At Sunshine Arts gallery, owner Jim Franklin was forced to bolt the doors closed after water got up to a foot high.

"I've been here 20 years and I've never seen it get that deep," he said.

And in Kaneohe, lightning struck a roof the Windward Estates Saturday night. No one was injured, but homeowner Ben Cole had a big mess to clean up.

"Literally, just watching TV sitting in my chair and all of a sudden it was like somebody tossed a grenade in the house," he said. "This is the last thing I thought id be doing on a Sunday."

On Maui, Iao Valley closed after rising waters made the area unsafe for visitors.

The Maui Police Department said state and county emergency crews responded to the area. Waters at Waihee River quickly rose and homes needed to be evacuated, police say.

Throughout the day, advisories and warnings were posted, but have since been canceled or expired.

Though the rain has settled, forecasters say parts of the statew could see heavy rains through Monday.

This story will be updated.

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