UPDATE: 4:45 p.m.

A flash flood warning has been canceled for Kauai and Niihau, replaced by a flash flood watch that will extend through tonight.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for Big Island summits that will remain in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday.

Forecasters expect northwest winds of 40 to 50 mph, with localized gusts of 60 mph.

Strong winds can make driving difficult and NWS urges the public to reconsider travel to the summits until conditions improve.

3 p.m.

The National Weather Service has extended the flash flood warning for Kauai to 5:30 p.m. today.

At 2:27 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain continuing over saturated ground across the southern portion of the island of Kauai. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 3 inches per hour.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Lihue, Kapaa, Kalaheo, Kekaha, Lawai, Omao, Hanapepe, Koloa, North Fork Wailua Trails, Poipu, Waimea, Wailua Homesteads, Wailua, Mana, Barking Sands, Eleele, Kaumakani, Puhi, Pakala Village and Wailua River State Park.

The public should stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are currently dry, officials said, and not cross fast-flowing or rising water in a vehicle or on foot.

2 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement that came and went as of 2:15 p.m.

Officials warned of a strong thunderstorm impacting portions of Kauai. At 1:46 p.m., doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Poipu, or 9 miles southwest of Lihue, moving northeast at 10 mph.

Weather officials warned of winds in excess of 30 mph, and pea-sized hail.

Locations impacted were Lihue, Kalaheo, Hanapepe, Omao, North Fork Wailua Trails, Koloa, Poipu, Lawai, Wailua Homesteads, Puhi, Hanamaulu, Wailua River State Park and Eleele.

The flash flood warning for Kauai, meanwhile, remains in effect until 2:45 p.m.

At 1:54 p.m., high gauge readings along the Hanalei River, along with continued bouts of heavy rainfall continued across the island of Kauai, keeping the warning in effect.

A brown water advisory has also been issued for the island of Kauai.

1 p.m.

Hanalei Elementary School is closing early today and Hanalei students at Kapaa Middle School and Kapaa High School will be released early due to the weather, according to state Department of Education officials.

Meanwhile, Kauai police are alternating traffic at Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge. County officials expect the closure of the highway with little to no notice due to elevated river levels.

11:45 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the island of Kauai due to heavy rains, effective until 2:45 p.m.

At 11:36 a.m., the Hanalei River gauge reported a rapid rise in water level, officials said, and flooding is likely occurring in the Hanalei River and other nearby drainages. Heavy rainfall continues across many other parts of the island of Kauai.

A flash flood warning means flash flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads and low-lying areas. People should not cross fast-flowing or rising water in a vehicle or on foot, officials said.

While no road closures have yet been reported at this time, Kauai County officials ask island residents to stay tuned for updates. Ponding, low visibility, and other hazardous driving conditions are expected.

Road conditions and closures are available by calling 808-241-1725.

On Oahu, a brown water advisory has been issued for the coastal waters from Waimanalo to Sandy Beach due to heavy rains and stormwater runoff.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

A flood advisory is in effect for the island of Kauai this morning through 11:30 a.m.

Radar at 8:24 a.m. showed a broad area of heavy rain approaching the island from the south, according to the National Weather Service. Rain was falling at a rate of up to 3 inches per hour.

Weather officials advised residents and visitors to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding.

A flood watch also remains in place for Niihau, Kauai and Oahu through this afternoon.

Forecasters say occasional showers with a few thunderstorms will be possible over the western end of the state today, with the potential to produce heavy rainfall across Niihau, Kauai, and Oahu. Some stronger storms may also be possible, especially near Kauai.

Further east, lighter showers will tend to focus over southeast-facing slopes, with thunderstorms possible over the interior of Hawaii island this afternoon and Thursday afternoon.

Winds are expected to remain southeasterly through the weekend.

A small craft advisory is in effect for Hawaii island windward, leeward and southeast waters through 6 p.m. Thursday.