Locally heavy rainfall from the outer edges of Tropical Storm Guillermo reached land Tuesday as cloud cover from the cyclone moved over the island.
A wide band of rain stretching the length of the island was moving onshore Tuesday, and radar showed rain falling at a rate of 3 inches an hour between Naalehu and Hawaiian Ocean View Estates early Tuesday afternoon.
“Right now, it’s primarily rain impacts we’re expecting,” NWS forecaster Kevin Kodama said.
Afternoon shower activity is expected to increase in Kailua-Kona from the system, but the leeward area should be spared much of the rainfall, Kodama said.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Hawaii Island through 6 p.m. Thursday. Tropical storm conditions of high surf, high winds and heavy rains could occur in some areas, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense.
Civil Defense is urging residents take precautions and monitor local radio broadcasts for updates. Motorists should expect hazardous road conditions, traffic interruptions and delays because of the weather.