Hawaiʻi County officials are urging residents and visitors to prepare for a powerful Kona low storm expected later this week. The system may bring strong winds, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, flooding, and even brief weak tornadoes. 

The most severe impacts are expected from Friday through Sunday, with the possibility of strong, locally damaging winds that can down trees and powerlines and heavy rainfall that can cause flooding.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Hawaiʻi Island, currently in effect through Saturday afternoon. A Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flooding, but it has not begun.

In addition to isolated thunderstorms, the storm could produce brief and weak tornadoes.

The County will provide updates as conditions evolve. Residents can receive emergency notifications by signing up for Civil Defense alerts at bit.ly/HCCDAlerts.