Flash flood warning lifted, but windward rains may continue
Waikane Stream has risen to the bottom of the bridge over Kamehameha highway and overflowed its banks near the bridge, but the roadway remained open this afternoon. (Bruce Asato/basato@staradvertiser.com)
Waikane Stream overflowed its banks near the Kamehameha Highway bridge. (Bruce Asato/basato@staradvertiser.com)
The rushing waters of Waikane Stream flow under the Kamehameha Highway bridge, close to Odeleen Davis' residence, right. (Bruce Asato/basato@staradvertiser.com)
Debris floats in Waikane Stream near the Kamehameha Highway bridge after the heavy rains of the morning. (Bruce Asato/basato@staradvertiser.com)
Radar images show windward and mauka showers being blown in with the trade winds. (Courtesy National Weather Service)
The National Weather Service lifted a flash flood warning for Oahu that was prompted by steady windward rains and rising stream levels.
The warning had been up since late morning as moderate to locally-heavy showers caused Waikane and Waiahole streams to rise.
A few inches of water crossed Kamehameha Highway at Waikane, but the road remained open.
During the warning period, radar showed locally heavy rain over the Koolaus falling at a rate of 1 inch per hour or more.
A weakening weather system and trade winds blowing rain clouds over windward areas are blamed for the wet weather over Oahu and Maui this weekend.
Forecasters say the wet conditions in windward and mauka areas could continue through Monday.
Rainfall totals reflect the steady moderate to heavy rain over windward Oahu. Waiahole recorded 6 inches of rain in the 24 hour period ending at 2 p.m., with much of the rain falling in the last 12 hours. Kahana, the Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Ahuimanu, Moanalua and the Halawa Tunnel all got more than 5 inches of rain.
