Heavy rains caused a roadway collapse, a power outage, a sewage spill, and bridge and road closings Sunday on Kaua‘i, with a drenched island facing a forecast for more rain this week. A flash flood warning was in effect most
Heavy rains caused a roadway collapse, a power outage, a sewage spill, and bridge and road closings Sunday on Kaua‘i, with a drenched island facing a forecast for more rain this week.
A flash flood warning was in effect most of the day. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration canceled the flash flood warning late Sunday afternoon, but a flash flood watch for Kaua‘i remained in effect until 6 a.m. today.
State Department of Transportation crews barricaded roadway shoulders Sunday afternoon after a roadway collapse on Kuhio Highway near mile marker 22 in Kilauea was reported, according to a county statement. Extra Kaua‘i Police Department patrol cars were assigned to the area.
Flooded roads and bridges in Lihu‘e, Kekaha, Waimea, Kapa‘a and Hanalei were temporarily closed until the rains lessened late Sunday afternoon, but four roads in Po‘ipu remained closed Sunday night.
As of 4:30 p.m., the highest 24-hour precipitation on Kaua‘i was reported in Anahola with 8.3 inches — followed by Mount Waialeale with 7.89 inches, North Wailua Ditch with 7.61 inches, Moloa‘a Dairy with 7.52 inches and Pu‘u Opae with 7.25 inches. The lowest rainfall was reported at Makaha Ridge with 3.37 inches and Wainiha with 3.45 inches.
The National Weather Service announced that rain and scattered rainfall are expected through the end of the week.
The county reported that an overflowing manhole on Kaumuali‘i Highway across from ‘Ele‘ele Shopping Center was leaking sewage for at least an hour until it stopped sometime after 7 a.m. Sunday. Wastewater officials said the sewer main exceeded capacity, pouring sewage mixed with runoff on the road into Hanapepe Valley. The amount of sewage spilled was not confirmed, but estimated at more than 1,000 gallons.
Department of Health officials were notified about the spill, but no health warnings were issued.
The county reported significant flooding in the Weliweli Tract of Koloa, and rising waters required the opening of a former Kekaha plantation ditch to divert overflow until it receded.
Department of Public Works road crews earlier removed boulders that had washed onto Kahumoku Road in Lihu‘e, Kalihiwai Road and Akemama Road in Lawa‘i, and Waha Road in Kalaheo.
A power outage was reported in Waimea, but the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative quickly restored service.
Lihu‘e International Airport did not close. The rains caused flight delays but no cancellations, airport spokesmen said.
For weather updates, visit the National Weather Service web site at www.prh.noaa.gov/pr. For updated information on major road closures on Kaua‘i, call 241-1725.
