UPDATE: Strong thunderstorms impact Kauaʻi until 12:45 p.m., flood advisory in effect until 2:30 p.m.

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.

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.