Hawaiʻi County officials are encouraging residents and visitors to prepare for the arrival of a storm system this week that could bring another round of flooding and thunderstorms.

Locally heavy downpours can produce rapidly rising floodwaters, especially on ground still wet from recent damaging storms. Lightning and gusty winds could also impact areas across Hawai‘i Island, and officials are working together to reduce risks for residents and visitors.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flood Watch for the entire state from Wednesday morning through Friday afternoon due to the storm system, which is forecast to produce periods of moderate to heavy rainfall with possible thunderstorms.

Peak rainfall is forecast from Wednesday night through Friday. Puna and Kaʻū districts could see the highest rainfall amounts with this storm system, with Kona also at increased risk starting Thursday.

Southerly winds are expected, with gusts of 30 to 40 mph forecast in lower elevations. Peak wind impacts are expected on Thursday and Friday.

Hele-On bus and paratransit passengers should prepare for the potential of route modifications or cancellations due to inclement weather.

Officials also are monitoring Kīlauea volcano for Episode 44, which is expected to erupt between today and April 15, according to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Depending on wind conditions, communities near and downwind of Kīlauea could experience volcanic tephra, including ash and Pele’s hair, and southerly winds are more likely to push tephra toward Highway 11.

For tephra safety information, visit the Civil Defense website.