graphic by BIVN

(BIVN) – As the National Weather Service continues the Flash Flood Watch for the Big Island, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense has issued an updated closure statement.

On Friday evening, emergency officials announced the closure of all county parks on Saturday due to the threat of approaching storms. A Flash Watch Watch was issued, which means flooding is possible due to heavy rain from thunderstorms and strong winds.

Just before noon, radar imagery showed rain is already moving over the Kohala area of the island.

Radar courtesy the National Weather Service

A Blizzard Warning is also in effect for Hawaiʻi Island summits.

From the National Weather Service discussion at 10:18 a.m. HST:

As of 10 AM this morning, moderate rains with isolated embedded heavy showers stretch from Oahu to the Kona coast of the Big Island. This band will move steadily east through the day bringing improving condition to Kauai and Oahu with increasing low clouds and showers to the Big Island. Models have been persistent over the past few days with a surface low forming west of the Big Island today and focusing the potential for thunderstorms near Maui and the Big Island this afternoon. This morning’s model runs have backed off a bit on the veracity of this low. However, there still remains the potential of isolated severe thunderstorms with plenty of low level wind shear to drive those thunderstorms.

Due to the Flash Flood Watch, officials issued the following updated advisories:

• Department of Parks and Recreation reports beach parks, community centers, swimming pools, pavilions and the Kalapana lava viewing area will remain closed today. Gymnasiums with scheduled events are open at this time.
• Police Department reports all roads are open at this time.
• Because strong winds associated with thunderstorms may occur later today, take measures to secure items around your property that may be affected.

Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense will issue an update if there are any changes in conditions that may affect your safety, officials say.