Update: Flash flood warning extended again, Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei still closed

4:49 p.m. update Dec. 20: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the flash flood warning for Kaua’i until 8 p.m. today.

At 4:43 p.m., radar indicated moderate to heavy rainfall persisting over windward areas of the island, with additional showers forming offshore. Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei remains closed because of flooding. Rain gauges also indicate high water levels in Wailua River.

Flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties and other low-lying areas can be expected. Other road closures are possible, as well as landslides, rock and mudslides in steep terrain.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include northern, eastern and portions of southern Kauai.

The public is advised to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches and culverts, even
if they are currently dry.

2 p.m. update: The National Weather Service has extended a flash flood Warning for Kaua‘i, due to heavy rains occurring over the island.

The following facilities and roadway remains closed due to inclement weather:

• Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge;
• The Kapa‘a Sunshine Market at the Kapa‘a Beach Park;
• The Kekaha Landfill; and
• The Kekaha HI5 redemption center near the old Kekaha sugar mill;

A Flash Flood Warning means flash flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads and low-lying areas.

Noon Wednesday update: The flood warning was extended till 2 p.m.

At 10:59 a.m., radar and automated rain gauges indicated that persistent moderate to heavy rainfall over windward slopes has led to rapid rises in streams and rivers. Flooding of the Hanalei River has led to the closure of Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei.

The following facilities and roadways are closed due to inclement weather:

• Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge
• The Kapa‘a Sunshine Market at the Kapa‘a Beach Park
• The Kekaha Landfill
• The Kekaha HI5 redemption center near the old Kekaha sugar mill

9:13 a.m. Wednesday update: Due to flooding, Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge has been closed. Updates will continue to be posted. 

7:46 a.m. Wednesday update: The flood advisory has been canceled and a flood warning is now in place till 11 a.m. for the island of Kaua‘i.

At 7:41 a.m., radar and automated rain gauges indicated that persistent upslope rainfall has led to rapid rises in water levels in streams and rivers. Flooding of the Hanalei River is expected to lead to the closure of Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei within the hour.

Rain was falling at a rate of 1 inch per hour in the heaviest showers.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include northern, eastern and portions of southern Kaua‘i.

Original post: A flood advisory is in effect for the island of Kaua‘i till 10 a.m.

At 6:51 a.m., radar indicated persistent moderate showers moving over Kaua‘i from the east, with the heaviest showers producing rainfall rates as high as 1 inch per hour. Stream and river gages indicate rising water levels.

Some locations that will experience flooding include northern and eastern Kaua‘i. Impacts include minor flooding on roads, poor drainage areas and in streams.