Update: National Weather Service advises boats on the water to seek safe harbor amid marine warning

Updated at 4:03 p.m. on Jan. 30: The Marine Warning for Kaua‘i Channel and Kaua‘i Leeward Waters has been extended till 6 p.m.

At 3:54 p.m., an area of strong thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts was located between 10 and 15 miles south of Waimea moving northwest at 25 knots. Hazards include waterspouts and Wind gusts to nearly 50 knots.

Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

Locations impacted include  FAD Buoy CK, Makahuena Point, Lehua Rock, FAD Buoy KK, FAD Buoy PP, FAD Buoy AA, Southern Tip of Niihau and Kikiaola Harbor.

Updated at 3:37 p.m. on Jan. 30: The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a High Surf Advisory for north- and east-facing shores of Kaua‘i.

A declining northwest (310 degrees) swell combined with wind waves from fresh to strong northeasterly winds will maintain rough elevated surf along north and east-facing shores of Kaua‘i through most of the night.

Updated at 3:14 p.m. on Jan. 30: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a flood advisory for Kaua‘i till 6:15 p.m.

At 3:01 p.m., radar indicated moderate to heavy rain moving in from the south and east of Kaua‘i. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

Flooding is caused by excessive rainfall. Impacts include minor flooding on roads, poor drainage areas, and in streams.

The public is advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding. This advisory may need to be extended if flooding persists.

Updated at 2:15 p.m. on Jan. 30: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Special Marine Warning for Kaua‘i Channel, Kaua‘i Leeward Waters and O‘ahu Leeward Waters until 4 p.m.

At 2:02 p.m., an area of strong thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts was located along a line extending from 15nm south of Kalaheo, Kaua‘i to 35 nm southwest of Kalaeloa, O‘ahu, moving northeast at 15 knots. Individual thunderstorms were moving north at 15 knots.

Hazards reported included waterspouts and Wind gusts to nearly 50 knots. Those on the ocean should prepare for gusty winds, steep and fast-building seas, and blinding downpours. Stay low or go below, and make sure all on board are wearing life jackets.

Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves. Those on the water are advised to seek safe harbor immediately.

Impacted areas include Port Allen, FAD Buoy CK, Makahuena Point, FAD Buoy KK, FAD Buoy PP, FAD Buoy AA and FAD Buoy Z.

Updated at 10:37 a.m. on Jan. 30: Both lanes are now open on Kūhiō Highway near the vicinity of the Hanalei Bridge.

Updated at 8:50 a.m. on Jan. 30: Kūhiō Highway, near the vicinity of the Hanalei Bridge, is open to a single lane. In addition, the National Weather Service has expired the Flash Flood Warning for Kaua‘i.

A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for Kaua‘i until 6 p.m. Updates will be given when possible. Mahalo.

Updated at 7:54 a.m. on Jan. 30: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Special Marine Warning for Kaua‘i leeward waters until 8:45 a.m.

At 7:48 a.m., an area of strong thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts was located 10 nm northwest of southern tip of Niihau, or 30 nm west of Barking Sands, to the western edge of the coastal waters west of Niihau. Individual thunderstorms were moving southwest at 30 knots.

Waterspouts and Wind gusts to nearly 50 knots are possible. Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

The strong thunderstorm will remain over mainly open waters. Prepare for gusty winds, steep and fast-building seas, and blinding downpours. Stay low or go below, and make sure all on board are wearing life jackets.

Original post: The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the island of Kaua‘i until 8:45 a.m.

According to Kaua‘i Emergency Management, Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei Bridge is closed due to flooding, resulting in Hawai’i Department of Education officials deciding to close Hanalei Elementary School for the day.

The Kalalau Trail is also closed due to flooding. COVID testing at the Hanalei Neighborhood Center will be closed today due to the road closure.

At 5:31 a.m., radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain falling over northern Kaua‘i. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 inch per hour. Many area river and stream gauges remain elevated but have ceased rising or are slowly falling.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Kapa‘a, Princeville, Kīlauea, Wainiha, Hanalei, Ha‘ena, Na Pali State Park, North Fork Wailua Trails, Koke‘e State Park, Moloa‘a, Anahola, Polihale, Kalihiwai and Waimea Canyon State Park.

Impacts include flooding in drainages, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas. Public road
closures possible in some areas. Landslides are possible in steep terrain.

Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are currently dry. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown.

This warning may need to be extended if flooding persists.