Update at 3 p.m. March 12: The National Weather Services has issued a high wind warning for Kauaʻi beginning at 6 p.m. today.
Southwest winds are predicted to reach 30 to 40 miles per hour with gusts up to 70 miles per hour expected until 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Areas most at risk are communities north and east of steep mountains. Strong, damaging winds may blow down trees, damaging roofs and power lines, which could cause power outages. Loose outdoor items should be brought inside or secured properly.
Hazardous driving conditions due to powerful cross winds will pose a serious risk for drivers and travel will be difficult, especially for light weight and high profile vehicles.
A high wind warning is issued when sustained winds exceeding 40 mph and/or frequent gusts over 60 mph are occurring or imminent. For summit areas, warnings are issued for winds exceeding 56 mph and/or frequently gusting over 66 mph.
For weather updates, visit the National Weather Service website, or call the automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
To Sign up for the county’s emergency notification service, Wireless Emergency Notification System, or call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
Update at 12 p.m. March 12: A flood advisory is in effect until 2:30 p.m. this afternoon.
Excessive rainfall could cause minor flooding on roads, poor drainage areas, and in streams. Rainfall rates up to 3 inches per hour are possible in the heaviest rain.
The public is urged to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot.
This advisory may need to be extended beyond 2:30 if flooding persists.
Update at 11:30 a.m. March 12: The National Weather Service have tracked a cluster of strong thunderstorms 17 miles south of Hanapepe, or 27 miles southwest of Līhuʻe.
Doppler radar predicts that strong thunderstorms will impact Kauaʻi through 12:45 p.m. as thunderstorms move northeast at 40 miles per hour.
Wind gusts are predicted to reach 50 miles per hour, which could knock down tree limbs and blow unsecured objects.
Locations to be impacted include: Puhi, Anahola, Kilauea, Mana, Alakai Swamp Trails, Kaumakani, Hanalei, Na Pali State Park, Omao, Barking Sands, Wainiha, North Fork Wailua Trails, Wailua River State Park, Moloaa, Kapaa, Waimea, Princeville, Lihue, Pakala Village, and Wailua Homesteads.
For those outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding.
Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
Update at 11 a.m. March 12, 2026: The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu extended the special marine warning for leeward and windward waters of Kaua‘i and Kaua‘i Channel until 12:30 p.m. today (March 12).
At 10:28 a.m., strong thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 24 nm south of southern tip of Niʻihau to 71 nm south of FAD Buoy CK, moving northeast at 40 knots.
According to the radar, wind gusts could reach 40 knots and there may be small hail. Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.
Locations impacted by gusty winds, steep and fast-building seas, blinding downpours include,
FAD Buoy CK, FAD Buoy DK, FAD Buoy CO, FAD Buoy R, FAD Buoy WK, Makahuena Point, Kaena Point, and FAD Buoy KK.
Everyone on board should wear lifejackets.
Update at 5:17 a.m. March 12, 2026: The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu extended the special marine warning for leeward and windward waters of Kaua‘i and Kaua‘i Channel until 6:45 a.m. today (March 12).
Radar indicated at 4:41 a.m. an area of severe thunderstorms centered 23 nautical miles — or about 26.5 miles — southeast of FAD Buoy CK — or 30 nautical miles — equal to about 34.5 miles — southeast of Poʻipū that is capable of producing waterspouts, moving northeast at 20 knots — or about 23 mph.
Locations impacted include Kahuku Point, FAD Buoy CK, FAD Buoy DK, Kilauea Lighthouse, Kikiaola Harbor, FAD Buoy J, FAD Buoy CO and Haleiwa Harbor.
Update at 4:18 a.m. March 12, 2026: National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu issued a special marine warning in effect until 5:45 a.m. today (March 12) for Kaua‘i Channel as well as leeward and windward waters of Kaua‘i.
Radar indicated at 3:49 a.m. severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts along a line extending from 32 nautical miles — or nearly 37 miles — south of FAD Buoy CK to 39 nautical miles — or nearly 45 miles — southeast of the southern tip of Ni’ihau, moving northeast at 35 knots — or slightly more than 40 mph.
Locations impacted include Makahuena Point, FAD Buoy CK and FAD Buoy Z.
Waterspouts — which can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas — and wind gusts of 34 knots — or nearly 40 mph — and possibly greater are possible with these thunderstorms.
Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.
Seafarers and the public are advised to prepare for gusty winds, steep and fast-building seas and blinding downpours. Stay low or go below, and make sure all on board your vessel are wearing life jackets.
Original post at 12:28 p.m. March 11: A high wind watch is in effect islandwide from Thursday evening through late Saturday night.
Southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph are expected, with gusts up to 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
While island-wide strong winds are possible, areas most at risk are those located north and east of terrain.
Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
