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Wind, rain and high surf returning with new cold front

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
                                Forecasters say a front rapidly approaching Kauai from the northwest will move down the island chain today and tonight, delivering gusty winds, brief bouts of heavy rainfall, and “rather cool conditions.”
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NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Forecasters say a front rapidly approaching Kauai from the northwest will move down the island chain today and tonight, delivering gusty winds, brief bouts of heavy rainfall, and “rather cool conditions.”

THURSDAY 6 p.m.

The flood advisory for Kauai has expired. But high surf and wind advisories remain for parts of the Hawaiian islands and a a winter storm warning has been issued for Haleakala summit.

4 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for the island of Kauai due to excessive rainfall, effective until 6 p.m. today.

At 2:41 p.m., radar indicated persistent moderate to heavy rain over the northwest facing slopes of Kauai. Rain was falling at a rate nearly 1 inch per hour in the heavier showers. A total of 2 to 3 inches of rain has fallen since this morning.

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

The advisory may be extended if flooding persists.

Additionally, a winter storm warning has been issued for Haleakala summit, effective from 8 p.m. today until 8 a.m. Friday.

“A fast-moving cold front will bring freezing rain to the Summit and upper slopes of Haleakala tonight and early Friday morning,” said the warning. “The front will move quickly east of Maui by Friday afternoon, and the chance for rainfall will diminish as temperatures gradually warm.”

Forecasters expect total ice accumulation of about two- to three-tenths of an inch, leading to very hazardous travel conditions.

All travel plans to the summit should be postponed until the threat diminishes.

A high wind warning for Maui and Big Isle summits remains in place until 6 p.m. Friday.

Guests near 70 mph are expected over Haleakala, while gusts near 125 mph are expected over Big Isle summits.

EARLIER

The National Weather Service has issued high surf and wind advisories for parts of the Hawaiian islands as another cold front approaches from the west.

A high surf advisory is in place for the north and west shores of all isles from Niihau to Molokai, and the north shores of Maui, until early Saturday morning.

Surf of 18 to 22 feet is expected along north shores, while surf of 10 to 15 feet is expected along west shores due to a series of arriving north and northwest swells.

A wind advisory goes into effect starting at noon today for Kauai County and Oahu through 6 a.m. Friday.

Officials warn of northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts near 50 mph as the front moves in.

A high wind warning is in place for the summits of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Haleakala, where gusts are expected to range from 50 to 80 mph.

Forecasters say a front rapidly approaching Kauai from the northwest will move down the island chain today and tonight, delivering gusty winds, brief bouts of heavy rainfall, and “rather cool conditions.”

The swells are expected to cause minor coastal flooding during early-morning high tides Friday and Saturday.

The public should heed all advice from ocean safety officials, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and secure watercraft stowed on beaches.

Due to the winds, officials also recommend postponing hiking plans, taking tents and awnings down, and being prepared for power outages.

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