UPDATE: Wednesday, 6 a.m.

The flash flood watch for Kauai was canceled as of 3 a.m. due to the diminished threat of flooding.

4:25 p.m.

Both lanes of Kuhio Highway have reopened in the vicinity of the Hanalei Bridge. The island remains under a flood watch through tonight.

The National Weather Service said a front and upper trough will stall over Kauai tonight while tradewinds will push showers over much of the windward and mountain areas and along the north shore. Wainiha and Hanalei rivers, and Hanakapiai Stream will be the highest risk of flash flooding.

2:45 p.m.

Kuhio Highway in the vicinity of the Hanalei Bridge has reopened to one lane of alternating traffic.

The flash flood warning for Kauai has expired but a flood watch remains in effect through late tonight.

12:45 p.m.

The National Weather Service has extended the flash flood warning for the island of Kauai by another three hours to 3:45 p.m. today.

At 12:37 p.m., heavy showers continued to fall at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour across northern and windward Kauai. Streams remain elevated in these areas, and additional heavy showers are expected through the afternoon, forecasters said.

Kuhio Highway remains closed in both directions at Hanalei Bridge due to flooding, with water reported to be overflowing onto the highway at the Wainiha River.

A brown water advisory has also been issued for the island of Kauai due to stormwater runoff entering coastal waters.

12:15 p.m.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced that Kuhio Highway in the vicinity of the Hanalei Bridge is closed in both directions due to flooding.

Kauai County officials warned that ponding, low visibility, and other hazardous driving conditions are expected due to a flash flood warning in effect and that those who must drive should do so with extreme caution.

At 12:11 p.m., the National Weather Service reported heavy showers continued to fall at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour across northern and windward Kauai. Streams remain elevated in these areas and additional heavy showers are expected through the afternoon.

For updates on road conditions and closures on Kauai County, call 808-241-1725.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the island of Kauai through 12:45 p.m. today due to heavy rains.

At 9:42 a.m., NWS said heavy showers continued to fall at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour across northern Kauai. The Hanalei River gauge reported a rapid rise in water levels that will likely produce flooding on Kuhio Highway at the Hanalei Bridge around 10 a.m.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Princeville, Kilauea, Hanalei, Wainiha, Haena, Alakai Swamp Trails, North Fork Wailua Trails, Na Pali State Park, Kokee State Park, Moloaa and Kalihiwai.

Officials warn the public to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are currently dry, and to not cross fast-flowing or rising water in a vehicle or by foot.

The warning may need to be extended beyond 12:45 p.m. if flooding persists.

Earlier this morning, NWS also issued a flood advisory for Kauai due to heavy rain over the windward and north shores of Kauai, effective through 11:30 a.m.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Lihue, Kapaa, Princeville, Kilauea, North Fork Wailua Trails, Hanalei, Wailua Homesteads, Alakai Swamp Trails, Wainiha, Wailua, Haena, Kokee State Park, Na Pali State Park, Moloaa, Anahola, Kalihiwai, Wailua River State Park, Puhi, Hanamaulu and Kealia.

A flood watch is in effect for the island of Kauai through late tonight.

Forecasters say a front will stall over Kauai through tonight, while high pressure to the north will drive tradewinds that push showers over the isle’s windward and mauka areas and along the north shore.

They warned that Wainiha and Hanalei rivers and Hanakapiai Stream will be at the highest risk of flash flooding.

A high surf advisory is also in place for the north and west shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai, and north shores of Maui through 6 p.m. today.

Surf of 14 to 18 feet is expected along north shores, and 8 to 12 feet along west shores due to a northwest swell that will peak today.

The swell is expected to gradually decline Wednesday through Friday.

Surf for south shores is expected to build from 1 to 3 feet this morning to 4 to 6 feet Wednesday afternoon, while surf on east shores is expected to grow from 4 to 6 feet this morning to 5 to 7 feet on Wednesday.

Officials warn of strong, breaking waves, shore break, and rip currents, making swimming difficult and dangerous for shores under the advisory. The public should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials.

A small craft advisory is also in place for northwest, windward and leeward Kauai waters through 6 p.m. Wednesday.