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Flood watch expires for Molokai to Big Isle

UPDATE: Sunday, 6:45 a.m.

The flood watch for Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe and the Big Island has expired.

Saturday, 8 p.m.

Oahu’s flood advisory has expired. But a flood watch remains in effect for Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe and the Big Island through 6 a.m. Sunday.

6:05 p.m.

The flood advisory for Kauai has been canceled but remains in effect for Windward Oahu.

UPDATE: 5:45 p.m.

Oahu and Kauai are under a flood advisory this evening while the eastern islands remain under a flood watch.

“At 4:50 p.m., radar indicated heavy showers over Windward Oahu falling at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. The heaviest rainfall was occurring between Waikane and Punaluu, and the Kahana Stream has shown a rapid rise in water levels, the National Weather Service said.

The flood advisory, which is in effect until 8 p.m., covers Waikane, Kaaawa, Punaluu, Waiahole, Hauula, Kahaluu, Ahuimanu, Laie, Kahuku, Kaneohe, Kalihi, Manoa, Kahana Valley State Park, Kualoa, Heeia and Malaekahana State Park.

On Kauai, the flood advisory is in effect until 6:30 p.m. and covers Lihue, Kapaa, Kalaheo, Princeville, Kilauea, North Fork Wailua Trails, Wailua Homesteads, Wailua, Hanalei, Omao, Lawai, Anahola, Alakai Swamp Trails, Koloa, Moloaa, Wainiha, Poipu, Haena, Na Pali State Park and Wailua River State Park.

All islands from Molokai to the Big Island remain under a slood watch until 6 a.m. Sunday.

UPDATE: 4:20 p.m.

The flood watch for Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe and the Big Island has been extended through 6 a.m. Sunday.

UPDATE: 1:25 p.m.

Following the expiration of a first marine warning, a second notice has been issued for Alenuihaha Channel and the Big Island’s windward waters.

Radar indications at 1:12 p.m. showed a strong thunderstorm capable of producing gusty winds and waterspouts located 12 nautical miles southeast of Makena. The storm was moving slowly southwest and raised the possibility of waterspouts and wind gusts of 34 knots or more.

The latest special marine warning expires at 2 p.m.

UPDATE: 12:20 p.m.

A special marine warning has been issued for Alenuihaha Channel and the Big Island’s leeward and windward waters until 12:45 p.m.

At 11:54 a.m., radar indicated a strong thunderstorm located 16 nautical miles north of Hawi. The storm was moving slowly south, carrying wind gusts of 34 knots or more.

The National Weather Service warned higher winds and sudden large waves could damage small watercraft.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

With heavy showers and thunderstorms expected to saturate parts of the state, forecasters have issued a flash flood watch from Molokai to the Big Island.

The National Weather Service this morning issued flood warnings for Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe and the Big Island, in effect through late tonight. The heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding in some areas, with windward slopes of affected islands open to the highest flood risk.

“Flood prone roads and other low lying areas may be closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams,” the advisory said.

Forecasters caution that urban areas might experience significant flooding and resulting property damage due to rapid runoff.

A flood advisory for the Big Island was cancelled at 8 a.m., but a flood watch, wind advisory and winter storm warning remain in effect.

The high wind warning, which is in place until 6 p.m., extends to Maui, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and portions of the Big Island, including areas downwind of the Kohala mountains, interior, and the southeast slopes, NWS said.

Forecasters expect winds from the east between 20 to 30 mph, with localized gusts up to 50 mph.

“Winds this strong can tear off shingles, knock down tree branches, blow away tents and awnings and make it difficult to steer, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles,” forecasters said.

Residents are urged to watch for falling trees and prepare for power outages.

Periods of heavy snow are anticipated for Big Island summits above 12,000 feet, where snow accumulation could reach six inches or more. Gusty winds, low visibility in clouds and cloud-to-ground lightning could accompany the heavier snowfall.

Travel plans to the summits should be postponed until conditions improve, NWS said. The winter storm warning is in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday.

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