Update: Flash flood watch canceled on Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau

Update 3:30 p.m. April 12: The flash flood watch on Kaua‘i is canceled.

Update 11:21 a.m. April 12: The flash flood warning has been canceled but the flood watch remains in effect till 6 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a slow-moving band of heavy showers and thunderstorms will remain nearly stationary over Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau today, bringing the potential for additional flash flooding to areas that have already seen a significant amount of rainfall.

Update 10:51 a.m. April 12: The flash flood warning remains in effect till noon for Kaua‘i.

At 9:20 a.m., the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency reported that flooding impacts were ongoing, especially in the east and southeast areas of the island. Several roads remain closed due to flooding, landslides, and sinkholes.

Conditions over West Kaua‘i have improved. As a result, the flash flood warning has been canceled for portions of the island to the west of Port Allen and Hanapēpē.

A brown water advisory has also been issued.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health advises beach users to stay out of waters that appear brown or murky, especially following heavy rainfall.

After storms or heavy rainfall, the waters may contain higher than normal pollutant levels.

For more information, see: https://health.hawaii.gov/cwb/beach-monitoring-program/

Areas experiencing flash flooding include:

• Līhu‘e

• Kapa‘a

• Kalāheo

• Princeville

• Kīlauea

• North Fork Wailua Trails

• Wailua Homesteads

• Wailua

• Omao

• Lawa‘i

• Hanalei

• Kōloa

• Wainiha

• Poi‘pū

• Hanapēpē

• Anahola

• Moloa‘a

• Ha‘ena

Update 8:57 a.m. April 12: The flash flood warning has been extended till noon today throughout Kaua‘i.

At 8:45 a.m., the National Weather Service in Honolulu reports significant rainfall has ended. However, the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency reported that several roads, especially in the east and southeast areas of the island, remain closed due to flooding, landslides, and sinkholes.

“I am closely monitoring the severe flooding on Kaua‘i, and am in touch with Mayor Kawakami,” said U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i). “I stand ready to work with county, state, and federal agencies to make sure that Kaua‘i gets all the support it needs from the federal government. I encourage everyone to stay safe by following the advice of county officials and avoiding flooded areas.”

Several road and park closures have been reported.

This warning may need to be extended beyond noon if flooding persists.

A flood watch remains in place till 6 p.m.

Update 8:10 a.m. April 12: The flash flood warning remains in place till 9 a.m.

At 7:29 a.m., heavy rainfall remains offshore to the southeast. However, the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency reported that flooding impacts are ongoing, especially over the east and southeast areas of the island.

Landslides have occurred near Līhu‘e. Kūhiō Highway remains closed near the Hanalei River Bridge.

A flash flood watch also remains in place till 6 p.m. tonight.

Update 6:57 a.m. April 12: The flood advisory issued for the Garden Isle Thursday was upgraded to a warning, which has been extended till 9 a.m.

At 5:49 a.m., rainfall has mostly moved southeast of Kaua‘i, but isolated areas of heavy rain will move over the island from the south. However, runoff levels remain high and flooding impacts
continue.

The Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency earlier reported that multiple roads were closed in the Kōloa and Wailua areas. Kūhiō Highway also remains closed near the Hanalei River Bridge.

Original post: The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for Kaua‘i as heavy rainfall continues to pummel the island.

The flood advisory is in effect until 10 p.m. and joins a simultaneous flood watch in effect through Friday.

At 6:51 p.m. radar indicated moderate to heavy rainfall over southern portions of Kaua‘i. The heaviest showers are producing rain rates of one to two inches per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

“Stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding,” the National Weather Service said.

The flood advisory may be extended beyond 10 p.m. if flooding persists. To learn the difference between flood advisories and flood watches, visit the National Weather Service website here.

County of Kaua‘i officials are also urging the public to be vigilant due to potential severe weather conditions.