Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge is closed tonight due to flooding on Kauai, and a shelter at Hanalei Elementary School has been opened.

The island was under a National Weather Service flash flood warning earlier tonight. The Hanalei River has risen and Kauai County remains under a flash flood watch through Wednesday afternoon.

“Ponding, low visibility and other hazardous driving conditions are expected. If you must drive, please do so with extreme caution,” the NWS said in a bulletin.

Heavy rain is likely ahead of a front approaching from the northwest. Runoff from widespread heavy rain may cause flash flooding of streams and flooding of streets.

In addition to the flash flood watch, NWS issued a high surf advisory for north and west facing shores of Kauai and Niihau, with surf expected to rise up to 12 to 18 feet. The advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday.

For updates on road conditions and closures, call 241-1725. For weather updates call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 245-6001, or visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hawaii.