Heavy rain to continue into weekend on Oahu, Big Isle

The heavy rains that caused minor flooding and traffic jams on Oahu and the Big Island yesterday are expected to continue through tomorrow, National Weather Service forecasters said.

"It's a winter weather pattern," said lead forecaster Bob Farrell. "We expect it to be tapering off through the weekend."

A flash flood warning was in effect for all of the Big Island through 10:45 p.m. yesterday. Weather service forecasters said the warning could be extended through today if heavy rains continue.

Last night, heavy rain bands were situated between Naalehu and Wood Valley, the weather service said. A second band was just offshore.

Several spots on the Big Island saw more than 5 inches of rain in the 24-hour period ending at 5:45 p.m. yesterday.

Hakalau got almost 9 inches while Hilo Airport got 2 inches.

At about 10:18 a.m. yesterday, water washed over Hilea Bridge, forcing police to close it until about 1:43 p.m.

One lane of the bridge, located on thoroughfare Highway 11, was closed again at about 2:15 p.m., and officials were contra-flowing traffic last night, said Hawaii County Civil Defense acting Administrator Lanny Nakano.

At least two Big Island families asked civil defense for sandbags. Police reported minor flooding on roadways.

Oahu also got heavy showers but they were not long-lasting, Farrell said. Minor ponding was reported on roads and highways.

Farrell expected the rains to continue around the island today, with some brief breaks. Over the 24-hour period ending at 8:45 last night, Nuuanu and Waiawa saw more than 2 inches of rain.

Farrell said the rains were caused by a Kona low-pressure system south of the state, which destabilized the state's "wet tradewind pattern," producing heavier-than-normal showers.

Also yesterday, a winter weather advisory was posted for Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa through this morning. Forecasters expected up to 4 inches of snow on Mauna Kea by this morning.