A flash flood watch remains in effect for Oahu and Kauai County until 6 a.m. Sunday as a cold front that could bring heavy rain, and perhaps thunderstorms, approaches the islands.
Kauai and Niihau were expected to get the storm’s first hit Friday.
"We’re still on target for thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall over the islands of Kauai and Niihau," National Weather Service lead forecaster Sam Houston said just before 9 p.m. Friday, adding that the front was moving over Kauai County.
State officials say they have closed a popular hiking trail along Kauai’s North Shore in anticipation of wet weather over the weekend. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says streams along the Kalalau Trail could see flash floods.
Kauai County officials urged hikers not to take the trail to avoid being trapped by flash floods.
State officials say they will evaluate conditions today to consider whether to remove a sign indicating the trail is closed.
The Weather Service said some of the thunderstorms will be capable of producing strong and gusty winds, along with frequent lightning.
The cold front was expected to approach Oahu late Friday.
It is expected to stall near Oahu, and wet weather is forecast through Sunday for Oahu, Kauai and Niihau.
"The winds are from the south, so the South Shore could be just as vulnerable with the winds coming off the ocean as on the Koolaus or Waianae or Mililani," Houston said, adding the west side may be more vulnerable.
Even if the front stalls out, there is still a lot of wet weather ahead of it, Houston said.
Sunday will likely see soaking-type rain in the morning rather than the flooding type, Houston said. "If the front weakens, we may have a nice day Sunday," he said.
A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that could lead to flash flooding.
Forecasters are especially worried about the chance of flooding on Kauai because the ground is still saturated from recent rain.
Hazy conditions and light winds are predicted for Monday and Tuesday.
