A strong upper level disturbance passing across the state is bringing active weather through Saturday. There is potential for strong to severe thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall for the rest of Friday and overnight.
Flood Watches are in effect for all the islands through Saturday morning. Locally heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding. Rainfall totals through this weekend will exceed a couple inches for parts of the state.
Storms could be strong or severe, capable of producing damaging winds and large hail.
Big Island peaks are also under Winter Storm Warnings and High Wind Warnings. Snowfall totals could reach up to 6 inches, with wind gusts up to 70 mph. You can watch live cams from the Big Island here.
High Surf Advisories are also in effect for all south-facing shores. Large-breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet are expected through Friday evening.
Storm chances lower late this weekend and early next week, but leftover moisture combined with the afternoon sea breeze will keep interior and leeward showers in the forecast each day. The wet pattern continues through the second half of next week.
County of Kauai Emergency Management officials are urging people to prepare for potential severe weather and flooding.
“Given the impacts from our flood event in April, we are advising the community to prepare for potential severe weather later this week and into the weekend, as forecasted by the National Weather Service,” said Kauai Emergency Management Agency Administrator Elton Ushio. “During April’s flood event, multiple people had to be rescued in flood-prone areas like roads, rivers/streams, and low-lying areas.”
Officials also say that “the Kuhio Highway, near the Hanalei Bridge, may need to be closed with short to no-advanced notice, mainly if a Flash Flood Warning is issued, and that utilities and other services may be disrupted.”
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