LIHUE — The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the Island of Kauai. The warning issued at 9:20 a.m. is effective through 12:15 p.m. Radar is showing heavy rainfall over southwest Kauai with another
LIHUE — The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the Island of Kauai.
The warning issued at 9:20 a.m. is effective through 12:15 p.m.
Radar is showing heavy rainfall over southwest Kauai with another area of heavy rain just offshore near Kekaha and Barking Sands, moving toward the northeast.
Water levels are high within Hanapepe River and the south fork of Wailua River from earlier heavy rainfall. Kauai Civil Defense reported that Puolo Road is closed in Hanapepe due to ponding from rising water.
Locations in the Flood Warning include but are not limited to Barking Sands, Wailua, Mana, Kapaa, Waimea, Polihale State Park, Kokee State Park, Lihue, and Anahola.
School closing include Hanalei Elementary, Eleele Elementary, Waimea Canyon Middle School, Waimea High School and Kekaha Elementary School.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources confirmed at 10:21 a.m. that Kalalau Trail and the Napali Coast is closed due to the flash flood warning in effect for the island of Kauai.
Kauai Police Department radioed over Dispatch that water was touching the bottom of the Hanapepe Bridge at 9:29 a.m. Cars may not make it across much longer.
A county press release notes that because water levels are rising in the Hanapepe River, barriers are being erected on the one-lane bridge on Hanapepe Road in order to protect Hanapepe Town from flooding. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route to Hanapepe Town.
The county has closed green waste disposal operations at all transfer stations except the Lihue Transfer Station. Green waste is also being accepted at the Kekaha Landfill.
NOAH issued a Marine Weather Alert at 8:15 a.m. to alert boaters of hazards from strong thunderstorms around Kauai. Boaters are urged to seek safe harbor immediately until the storms have passed.
National Weather Service Doppler Radar indicated thunderstorms moving to the northeast at 10 to 15 mph producing heavy rain and reduced visibilities. Mariners should expect cloud to water lightning, locally gusty winds and higher waves across the coastal water around Kauai.
The alert includes Kauai Channel, Kauai Leeward Waters, Kauai Northwest Waters, and Kauai Windward Waters.
A Flash Flood Warning means that flash flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads, and low lying areas. Move to higher ground immediately.
Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown.
This Flash Flood Warning replaced the pre-existing warning that was issued at 6:35 a.m. and in effect until 9:30 a.m.
Due to weather conditions, the Department of Education has closed Hanalei Elementary School for the day.
More information will be provided as conditions develop.
