Naalehu, Hawaii Flash Flood Emergency: Two Homes Swept Away on Big Island

NAALEHU, Hawaii — A Flash Flood Emergency has been issued for Naalehu and surrounding areas on Hawaii’s Big Island after two homes were swept away as torrential rain triggered life-threatening flooding.

Rain Falling at 3 to 5 Inches Per Hour

The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued the emergency at 9:53 p.m. HST Saturday, with local law enforcement reporting that two homes had been swept away by intense rainfall.

Rain was falling at rates of 3 to 5 inches per hour, with additional heavy rain bands expected.

Particularly Dangerous Situation

The warning remains in effect until 1:00 a.m. HST Sunday and covers Naalehu, Pahala, Wood Valley, Punaluu Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, Glenwood, Hawaiian Ocean View, Mountain View and nearby communities.

Officials described the situation as particularly dangerous and urged people in threatened areas to immediately seek higher ground.

Life-Threatening Flash Flooding

Flooding is affecting or threatening roads, streams, low-water crossings and other low-lying areas across the southern Big Island as severe weather continues.