Update: Flash flood watch has been canceled

Updated at 6:13 a.m. on March 30: The flash flood watch has been canceled.

Updated at 4:30 p.m. on March 29: The National Weather Service has canceled the flash flood warning, although there is a flood watch in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday.

Updated at 3 p.m. on March 29: The National Weather Service has extended the flash flood warning for Kaua‘i through 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The warning may be extended, dropped, or modified as conditions develop.

At this time, Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge remains open. However, officials strongly advise motorists to avoid all non-essential travel, as heavy ponding is being reported islandwide.

Updated at 2:30 p.m. on March 29: At 2:27 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain continuing over
saturated ground across the southern portion of Kauaʻi. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 3 inches per hour. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Updated at 12:38 p.m. on March 29: Due to the severe weather, Hanalei Elementary School will close early today, according to the Hawai‘i Department of Education. In addition, students from Hanalei will be released early from Kapaʻa Middle School and Kapaʻa High School, with bus services transporting them.

The Kaua‘i Police Department is currently alternating traffic at Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge. Officials anticipate the highway to close at no to short notice with elevated river levels.

Due to muddy conditions, green waste and metal recycling are closed at the Kapaʻa refuse transfer station.

Updated at 12 p.m. on March 29: The National Weather Service has upgraded the flash flood advisory to a flash flood warning until 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday for the entire island of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.

At 11:36 a.m., the Hanalei River gage reported a rapid rise in water level. Flooding is likely occurring in the Hanalei River and other nearby drainages. Heavy rainfall continues across many other parts Kauaʻi.

Flooding is possible in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas. Public road closures are possible in some areas, but none have been reported at this time. 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.

For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 808-241-1725. Please do not call Kaua‘i police 911 unless you have an emergency.

For updates on power outages, visit the KIUC public outage map at https://smarthub.kiuc.coop/maps/public/OutageWebMap/.

For weather updates call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001, or visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.

To sign up for Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), the county’s emergency notification service, please go to the county’s website, www.kauai.gov, and click “Sign up for Emergency Notifications.” You may also call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.

Original post: A flood advisory is in effect until 11:30 a.m. for the entire island of Kaua‘i.

At 8:24 a.m., radar indicated a broad area of heavy rain approaching the island from the south. According to the National Weather Service, rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 3 inches per hour within this area, which is expected to affect the island of Kauai shortly.

Due to inclement weather, the Kekaka Landfill will be closed today.

Impacts include minor flooding on poor drainage areas, and in streams.