Key facts
- Alert
- Flash Flood Warning (severe)
- Issued by
- National Weather Service, Honolulu HI
- Areas
- Hawaii in Hawaii, HI
- Places
- Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kapaau, Honokaa, Honomu, Papaikou, Pepeekeo, Hakalau, Ninole, Laupahoehoe, Mountain View, Glenwood
- In effect
- until 7:00 PM HST, Oct 29, 2026
- Detection
- Radar indicated
What the National Weather Service says
“Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
NWS Honolulu HI, Flash Flood Warning, 5:44 PM HST Oct 29, 2026 · official alert
“Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.”
NWS Honolulu HI, Flash Flood Warning, 5:44 PM HST Oct 29, 2026 · official alert
“Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.”
NWS Honolulu HI, Flash Flood Warning, 5:44 PM HST Oct 29, 2026 · official alert
What to do
Do not drive into flooded roads. The National Weather Service says most flood deaths occur in vehicles. If you meet water over the road, turn around and find another route.
Never drive around barricades. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
Move to higher ground if you are near small creeks, streams, or low-lying areas. Stay away from underpasses and poorly drained spots where water can collect quickly.
Stay aware of your surroundings until the warning ends at 7:00 PM HST, and follow any updates from the National Weather Service.
Context
The warning covers places including Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kapaau, Honokaa, Honomu, Papaikou, Pepeekeo, Hakalau, Ninole, Laupahoehoe, Mountain View and Glenwood. The National Weather Service says flooding could affect small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
FEMA records show 804 flood insurance claims in Hawaii County between 1978 and 2026, as of September 9, 2026. These count only insured properties, so they do not show all flood damage. FEMA also lists a flood-related disaster declaration for the county on April 7, 2026, for severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides.
Updates
- The National Weather Service updated the flash flood warning; it remains in effect until 7:00 PM HST.
- NWS Honolulu HI issued the flash flood warning until 7:00 PM HST.
History here
Hawaii in Hawaii County: 804 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1978, most recent 2026.
Hawaii in Hawaii County: recent federal disaster declarations
- DR-4951 (2026): hurricane lala
- DR-4936 (2026): earthquake
- DR-4909 (2026): severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides
- DR-4724 (2023): wildfires and high winds
- DR-4395 (2018): hurricane lane
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Questions
- Is there a flash flood warning in Hilo, Hawaii?
- Yes. The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a Flash Flood Warning at 4:11 PM HST that includes Hilo. It runs until 7:00 PM HST.
- How much rain is falling in the Hilo area?
- At 4:11 PM HST, Doppler radar indicated rain falling at 1 to 3 inches per hour over windward Big Island. The heaviest rainfall was over the Hilo districts.
- What should I do if I come to a flooded road on the Big Island?
- Turn around and do not drive on the flooded road. The National Weather Service says most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Sources
- NWS Honolulu HI: Flash Flood Warning, Oct 29, 2026 weather.gov
- FEMA OpenFEMA: NFIP claims and disaster declarations fema.gov
How this page is made. The Herebeat Hazard Desk builds event pages from official U.S. government data (National Weather Service, USGS, FEMA). The text is written with AI from that data; every number and quote is checked against the official source automatically before publishing, and the page is updated when the agency updates the event. The official source is always the reference. Spotted a mistake? info@herebeat.app. About the Hazard Desk.