The National Weather Service has issued a lightning flood warning for Kauai Island until 12:45 a.m. today due to heavy rain.
At 9:42 a.m., the NWS said heavy showers continue to fall at rates ranging from 1 to 2 inches per hour over northern Kauai. The Hanalei River Jauge has reported a rapid rise in water levels, which could produce flooding on the Kuhio Highway at the Hanalei Bridge at 10 p.m.
Some places that experience flash floods include Princeville, Kilauea, Hanalei, Wainiha, Haena, Alakai Swamp Trails, North Fork Wailua Trails, Na Pali State Park, Kokee State Park, Moloaa and Kalihiwai.
Officials warn the public to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are currently dry, and not cross fast flowing or rising water in a vehicle or on foot.
The warning may have to be extended beyond 12:45 a.m. if the floods persist.
Earlier in the morning, the NWS also issued a flood warning for Kauai due to heavy rain over the windward and north coast of Kauai, effective until 11:30 p.m.
Some flooding sites include Lihue, Kapaa, Princeville, Kilauea, North Fork Wailua Trails, Hanalei, Wailua Homesteads, Alakai Swamp Trails, Wainiha, Wailua, Haena, Kokee State Park, Na Pali State Park, Moloaa, Anahola, Kalihiwai, Wailua River State Park, Puhi, Hanamaulu and Kealia.
A flood watch is in force for Kauai Island until late in the evening.
Forecasters say a front over Kauai will stop through the evening, while high pressure in the north will drive gusts, pushing showers over Windward Island and Mauka areas and along the north coast.
They warned that Wainiha and Hanalei rivers and Hanakapiai stream are at the highest risk of lightning floods.
High surfing advice is also in place for the northern and western shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai, and northern shores of Maui until 6 p.m.
Showers 14 to 18 feet along the north coast are expected, and 8 to 12 feet along west shores due to a northwesterly threshold reaching a peak today.
Thursday should go down slowly from Wednesday to Friday.
Surfing for south coast is expected to build from 1 to 3 feet in the morning to 4 to 6 feet on Wednesday afternoon, while surfing for east coast is expected from 4 to 6 feet in the morning to 5 to 7 feet on Wednesday.
Officials warn of strong, breaking waves, breakwaters, and rib currents that make swimming difficult and dangerous for shores under advice. The public should heed all the advice of ocean security officials.
A small craft workshop is also on site for Northwest, Windward and Leeward Kauai waters until 6 p.m. Wednesday.
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