Update: Hawai‘i Department of Transportation reports several road closures on Kaua‘i

7:06 a.m. April 12 update: Several roads remains closed as weather continues to batter Kaua‘i.

Along with the continued closure of Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei Bridge, the Department of Transportation also reports the following closures:

• Southbound Wailua River Bridge on Kuhio Highway remains closed. No contraflow.

• Rice/Nawiliwili Road is closed due to mud and trees on road fronting Sonesta resort. When crew gets back from Rte 50, MP 20 they will clear.

• Crews are clearing debris (rocks, boulders, mud) on Kaumuali‘i Highway at MP 13, 19, and 20.

• Crew has cleared Kaumuali‘i at Kuli/Lauoho intersection.

• Crew has cleared fallen trees at Kaumuali‘i’s intersections with Kōloa and Nuhou from travel lane.

There were rocks on Kuamo‘o Road pushed to the side by Kaua‘i police. The state will clear as crews work their way to that area.

Crews will push north to clear areas on Kūhiō Highway after the Kapa‘a Streams is cleared of mud and Anahola debris and mud cleared.

5:51 a.m. April 12 update: Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei Bridge remains closed.

The southbound (mauka) Wailua River Bridge on Kūhiō Highway is closed. There is two-way traffic on the northbound (makai) bridge. There will be no contraflow today.

10:15 p.m. April 11 update: Due to flooding, Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge on the North Shore of Kaua‘i is closed.

A flash flood warning and severe thunderstorm watch remain in effect for Kaua‘i.

At 9:51 p.m. Doppler radar showed the large area of heavy rainfall with embedded thunderstorms – capable of producing waterspouts – is now six miles southwest of Barking Sands, or 34 miles west of Līhu‘e, moving east at 15 mph.

9:23 p.m. April 11 update: Strong thunderstorms continue to impact Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.

At 9:19 p.m. Doppler radar was tracking a large area of heavy rainfall with embedded strong thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts eight miles southwest of Barking Sands, or 34 miles west of Līhu‘e, moving east at 15 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Waterspouts, wind gusts up to 50 mph and small hail are reported hazards.

“Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous waters. Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects,” the National Weather Service said, noting minor hail damage to vegetation is possible, as well.

“If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building,” the National Weather Service continued. “Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”

8:35 p.m. April 11 update: The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the County of Kaua‘i.

A severe thunderstorm warning means a severe thunderstorm is imminent. Severe thunderstorms have the potential to produce winds of 60 miles per hour. Damage from hail may be expected.

8:29 p.m. April 11 update: The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Kaua‘i, due to heavy rains occurring over the island.

The warning – which replaces a previously-issued flood advisory – may be extended, dropped or modified as conditions develop. No road closures have yet been reported at this time.

A flash flood warning means flash flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads and low-lying areas.

At 8:24 p.m. rain was falling at a rate of two to three inches per hour over much of Kaua‘i, according to the National Weather Service. At that time, the Hanalei River Stream Gauge had reached a level that typically results in the flooding of the nearby Kūhiō Highway.

Possible impacts include flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties and other low-lying areas. Public road closures are possible in some areas, as are landslides in areas with steep terrain.

“Ponding, low visibility and other hazardous driving conditions are expected. If you must drive, please do so with extreme caution,” said the National Weather Service. “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,” the National Weather Service continued. “Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.”

For updates on road conditions and closures, call 808-241-1725. Do not call the Kaua‘i Police Department at 911 unless you have an emergency.

For weather updates call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001 or visit the National Weather Service website.

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

Original post: A severe thunderstorm watch on Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau is in effect until 4 a.m. Friday.

“Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings,” according to the National Weather Service.

“Severe thunderstorms produce damaging winds of 58 mph or higher or destructive hail the size of quarters or larger,” the National Weather Service continued.

At 7:31 p.m. Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm six miles south of Poʻipū, or 14 miles southwest of Līhu‘e, moving northeast at 20 mph.

“If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building,” said the National Weather Service, which has also issued a flood advisory and a flood watch and a special marine warning for the area.

At 8 p.m. Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 24 miles west of Barking Sands to 47 miles southwest of Mānā, moving eastward at 25 mph. These storms will remain over sparsely populated areas of Ni‘ihau.

County of Kaua‘i officials are also urging the public to be vigilant due to potential severe weather conditions.