Kauai under severe thunderstorm watch; high wind warning issued for all islands

UPDATE: 8:50 a.m.

The island of Kauai is under a severe thunderstorm watch as a large storm system begins to hit the state.

“A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings,” the National Weather Service advisory says.

Severe thunderstorms produce damaging winds of 58 mph or higher or destructive hail the size of quarters of larger, according to forecasters.

An earlier thunderstorm warning for Kauai has expired.

7:50 a.m.

The flood advisory for the island of Kauai has been extended through 10:45 a.m. today.

Radar at 7:21 a.m. showed moderate to heavy showers developing and moving over Kauai from the south, with rain falling at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, the NWS said.

Water levels are elevated in streams across much of the island and runoff affecting low-lying areas is possible.

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7:15 a.m.

A Hawaiian Airlines flight from Honolulu to Lihue was canceled today due to the weather.

A passenger on the plane, flight HA133, said the captain initially announced a delay due to being unable to land at Lihue Airport.

Hawaiian Airlines flight HA134 from Lihue to Honolulu was also canceled.

Hawaiian Airlines is offering travel waivers to customers affected by the weather.

7 a.m.

The flood advisory for Hawaii island has been extended through 10 a.m.

Radar at 6:40 a.m. showed moderate to heavy showers developing and moving quickly over the southeast-facing slopes of Kau, Puna and south Hilo districts, according to the NWS. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

6:45 a.m.

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for the island of Kauai.

At 6:42 a.m., radar showed a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles south of Eleele, moving northeast at 40 mph and headed toward southeast Kauai.

In addition to wind gusts up to 60 mph, the National Weather Service said to remain alert for possible tornadoes. “Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure,” weather officials said.

Locations affection on the Walking Acuida, Lapexan, Nahuhea, Kamaluhea, Kamalou'a, Kuapahea, Kamuna, a Koapao, Rocket, Omapeh.

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The National Weather Service has issued multiple warnings and advisories as a powerful storm system moves through the islands, bringing the threat of severe thunderstorms, damaging winds and flash flooding through Friday.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Kauai and its adjacent coastal waters until noon today, with the potential for damaging winds over 58 mph and hail the size of quarters or larger.

A high wind warning remains active for Oahu, Kauai and Niihau until noon Friday, with sustained winds of 20 to 35 mph and gusts over 60 mph that could bring down trees and power lines. Maui County also came under a high wind warning at 6 a.m.

Additionally, flood advisories have been issued for Kauai and Hawaii island due to excessive rainfall. On Kauai, heavy showers are moving in from the south, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, leading to rising stream levels and minor flooding in low-lying areas. The advisory remains in effect until 7:45 a.m. today but may be extended if conditions persist. On Hawaii island, heavy rain is soaking the Ka‘u, Puna and South Hilo districts, with a flood advisory in effect until 7 a.m. today.

A flood watch is in place for all Hawaiian Islands through 6 p.m. Friday, as the approaching cold front brings the potential for widespread flash flooding and thunderstorms.

Weather officials say damaging winds could knock down trees and power lines and cause structural damage, particularly on Oahu, Kauai and Niihau.

Flash flooding could lead to road closures, urban runoff and dangerous conditions in streams and low-lying areas.

Residents and visitors are urged to secure loose outdoor items, stay indoors if possible and avoid driving through flooded roads. Boaters and mariners should take extra caution, as hazardous conditions are expected in coastal waters.