(BIVN) – A Kona low will move over the state today producing slow moving heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms across the island chain, the National Weather Service says as it has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the entire state.

Slow moving heavy showers will increase the threat of flash flooding statewide, and may produce rapidly rising waters in area rivers and streams.

This Kona low will stall over the central and eastern end of the state on Friday, forecasters say. The Flash Flood Watch will be in place until then.

The Winter Storm Warning remains in place for the Mauna Kea asnd Mauna Loa. “Very cold air aloft over the islands will continue to bring wintry conditions to the highest peaks of Mount Haleakala and
the Big Island Summits today,” the National Weather Service stated. “Expect periods of snow, with icy roadways and very cold conditions. Wintry weather will also likely persist on the Big Island Summits through Friday afternoon.”

“Brief snow showers will be possible through Thursday morning,” forecasters say, “with higher probabilities for accumulating snowfall Thursday afternoon through Friday. Snow accumulations up to 6 inches could occur by Friday evening.”

The Mauna Kea Access Road remains closed at the Visitor Information Station.

Meanwhile, “large and rough surf will continue” as a High Surf Warning remains in place along east-facing shores through this afternoon “as a short-period north-northeast swell slowly declines,” the National Weather Service says. Surf will be 10 to 15 feet high.

County Beach Parks from Keokea in Kohala through Laupahoehoe to Richardson Beach Park in Hilo are closed at this time, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense reported in a morning message. Hilo Bayfont Highway is also closed.