UPDATE: Flood advisory canceled for Kaua‘i as heavy rainfall diminishes

Update at 3:17 a.m. March 11, 2026: The flood advisory that was in effect until 4:15 a.m. today (March 11) for Kaua‘i was canceled.

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu report radar shows that heavy rain over the island has diminished and flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat.

Streams remain elevated, but are expected to slowly decrease during the next several hours.

Forecasters remind the public, however, that a flood watch remains in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday (March 14) for Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.

Update at 1:24 a.m. March 11, 2026: A flood advisory in effect for Kaua‘i was extended until 4:15 a.m. today because of continued flooding caused by excessive rainfall.

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu report that minor flooding on roads and in poor drainage areas and streams is still expected, along with water over roadways.

River and stream flows also continue to be elevated.

Radar indicated at 12:51 a.m. today that periods of moderate to heavy rain continue to fall at a rate of 1/2 an inch to 1 1/2 inches per hour over the island.

Forecasters remind the public to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding. Rainfall and runoff will also cause hazardous driving conditions because of ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action.

A flood watch also remains in effect through Saturday afternoon (March 14) for all of Kauai County.

Update at 10:09 p.m. March 10, 2026: The flood advisory in effect for all of Kaua‘i is now in effect until 1:15 a.m. Wednesday (March 11) as flooding from excessive rainfall continues around the island.

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu report that at 9:50 p.m. radar indicated a band of heavy rain falling at 1/2 an inch to 1 1/2 inches per hour between Hanapepe and Princeville.

Stream levels around the island also are elevated and continue to rise.

Forecasters expect minor flooding on roads and in poor drainage areas and streams. Water over roadways also continues to be possible.

Update at 7:24 p.m. March 10, 2026: A flood advisory is in effect now until 10:15 p.m. today (March 10) for all of Kaua‘i as flooding is expected because of excessive rainfall.

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu report that at 7:06 p.m. radar indicated heavy rain falling at a rate of 1/2 an inch to 1 1/2 inches per hour over the entire island.

Minor flooding on roads and in poor drainage areas streams is expected, along with the possibility of water over roadways. River and stream flows also are elevated.

The public is advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone
to flooding. Rainfall and runoff will also cause hazardous driving conditions because of ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action.

A flood watch also remains in effect for Kaua‘i County through Saturday afternoon (March 14).

Update at 9:19 a.m. on March 10: Kaua‘i County officials have announced several closures islandwide as the community braces for potentially severe weather from the kona storm.

No refuge areas have been opened at this time. However, refuge areas islandwide are on standby, should the need arise. 

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has closed Polihale State Park and Hā’ena State Park until further notice. 

County facilities and services may close on little to no notice. 

There are no road closures at this time.

Original post at 4 a.m. on March 10: As a powerful kona storm begins to impact the western end of the state today, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for all of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.

Kona lows refer to strong, low-pressure systems that bring stormy weather to Hawaiʻi and are responsible for most extreme weather during the winter months.

Due to the incoming weather, forecasters have issued a flood watch as well as a special weather statement for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau until 6 a.m. on Saturday.

A flood watch means considerable flash flooding is possible beginning today as the storm develops northwest of the state and draws deep tropical moisture across the islands.

Persistent bands of heavy rain and thunderstorms may produce intense rainfall rates, leading to rapid rises in streams and flooding of roads and low-lying areas.

Significant flooding is expected from the overflow of streams and drainages, and roads in several areas may be closed, along with property damage in urban or low-lying spots due to runoff. Landslides may also occur in areas with steep terrain.

In addition to the heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorm threat, strong and potentially damaging kona winds are possible this week. The possibility of large hail cannot be ruled out, according to the National Weather Service.