Flood advisory canceled for Kauai

UPDATE: 4 p.m.

The flood advisory for the island of Kauai has been canceled as of 3:48 p.m.

Rainfall has eased and stream levels of lowering, the National Weather Service said. However, Kuhio Highway remains closed at the Hanalei Bridge until officials confirm that the road is passable.

2 p.m.

The flood advisory for Oahu has been canceled.

Weather radar this afternoon showed that the heavy rain has diminished, according to the National Weather Service. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat.

12:55 p.m.

A flood advisory has replaced the flash flood warning for Kauai and is effective until 4 p.m.

Forecasters said rain has diminished over the island, though radar indicated fast-moving areas of rainfall over north Kauai.

Kuhio Highway remained closed, but officials were assessing the condition of the road as the water level in Hanalei River dropped.

11:30 a.m.

A flood advisory has been posted for Oahu, effective until 2:45 p.m. It takes the place of this morning’s flash flood warning and covers the entire island.

Radar indicated at 11:23 a.m. that heavy rainfall had eased over Oahu, though pockets of moderate to heavy rain persisted in the Waianae and North Shore areas.

Stream levels remained elevated in many areas of the island due to earlier rainfall, NWS said.

9:50 a.m.

Kauai’s flash flood warning has been extended to 1 p.m.

9:30 a.m.

The flood advisory for Oahu has been changed to a flash flood warning. The warning covers the entire island and is effective until 11:45 a.m.

Radar data at 9:16 a.m. indicated heavy rain over Oahu with rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, NWS said.

The stream gauge at Waiahole Stream indicated a significant water level rise, while Waikane Stream was also showing increases.

Forecasters said rainfall over urban areas on the south side of Oahu will result in flooding on roads and poor drainage areas.

Meanwhile, Kauai’s flash flood warning has been extended to 10 a.m., as heavy rainfall prompted the closure of Kuhio Highway at the Hanalei Bridge.

Rain continues to fall over the southern half of Kauai at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, and stream and river gages around the island indicate elevated water levels.

8:00 a.m.

A flood advisory has been issued for Oahu, effective until 10:45 a.m.

Radar indicated heavy rain over the slopes of the Koolau Range at 7:41 a.m., the National Weather Service said. Peak rainfall was recorded at 1 to 2 inches per hour between Kahaluu and Hauula.

Bands of heavy rain are expected to move over the island from the east through the morning, NWS said.

Locations forecast to experience flooding include Honolulu, Waiahole, Waikane, Kahaluu, Ahuimanu, Aiea, Pearl City, Kaaawa, Halawa, Mililani, Moanalua, Punaluu, Salt Lake, Kaneohe, Wahiawa, Kalihi, Wheeler Field, Hauula, Kaneohe Marine Base and Maunawili.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Kauai due to heavy rain that began saturating the island this morning.

The warning means flooding could occur in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties and other low-lying areas. The warning is in effect until 10 a.m. and may be extended or dropped depending on weather conditions.

At 7:12 a.m., radar showed bands of heavy showers moving across Kauai, dumping rain at rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour.

Hanalei River was rising early this morning and is expected to continue to swell, likely forcing the closure of Kuhio Highway within the next one to two hours, NWS said.

Heavy rain in the Waimea area may also result in floods.

Forecasters recommend the public avoids streams, rivers, drainage ditches and culverts, even if they are currently dry. Drivers and pedestrians are reminded not to cross fast flowing or rising water.