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COURTESY NOAA
This enhanced satellite image from this morning shows a storm system east of the Big Island that is bringing rain, wind, high surf and mountain snow to various parts of the Hawaiian Islands through this weekend.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
Areas of moisture were seen moving ashore over the windward side of Hawaii island this morning.
High surf, heavy rain, winds and snow are in store for various parts of the Hawaiian Islands through the weekend.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a high-surf advisory for the east-facing shores of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii island through 6 p.m. Sunday.
Forecasters say high pressure far northeast of the state will produce strong trades aimed toward the island chain over the next several days. The swell generated from the winds is expected to bring large, hazardous surf to eastern shores.
Surf is today is expected to reach 6 to 9 feet along the east shores of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii island, and rise to 8 to 12 feet late Friday through Saturday.
The swell will generate strong, breaking waves, shore break and rip currents. The public should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials, forecasters advised.
At 10:13 a.m. today, officials issued a flood advisory for the Big Island that would expire at 1:15 p.m. The advisory was extended to 4 p.m. Radar in the afternoon indicated bands of heavy rain and thunderstorms near Orchidlands Estates extending north to Laupahoehoe. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches an hour.
Locations in the advisory include, but are not limited to Hilo, Hawaiian Acres, Laupahoehoe, Orchidlands Estates, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Glenwood, Pepeekeo, Keaau, Pahoa, Honomu, Mountain View and Papaikou.
The public is advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding. Avoid crossing fast-flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot.
A flash-flood watch also remains in effect for Maui and Hawaii island through Friday afternoon.
Forecasters said a broad upper-level low approaching Hawaii island from the east is expected to bring periods of heavy showers and thunderstorms, potentially leading to flash flooding, to Maui and Hawaii island.
Snow is expected on Hawaii island summits above 11,000 feet, with 1 to 3 inches or more expected, according to NWS which issued a winter weather advisory through 6 a.m. Saturday.
Forecasters also issued a wind advisory through 6 a.m. Friday for parts of Lanai, Maui and Hawaii island.
Northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, are expected across Lanai, Kahoolawe, the central valley and leeward side of Maui, and the South Kohala district of Hawaii island. Winds will be strongest over and immediately downwind of mountains, forecasters said.
Expect wet and unstable conditions across the eastern end of the state into the upcoming weekend, forecasters said. Clouds and showers will favor windward areas, with occasional showers on the leeward side.
Conditions are expected to improve later this weekend and into early next week.
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