Flood watch covers Oahu and most neighbor islands
COURTESY NOAA
This color-enhanced satellite radar image from this morning shows a cold front approaching Hawaii from the west. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Kauai County from Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon, and forecasters expect rainy weather for the entire island chain through Thursday.
UPDATE: 3:31 p.m.
A flood watch has been issued for Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Kauai, Lanai, Niihau and Kahoolawe from Tuesday morning to Wednesday afternoon.
Forecasters said flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible for all the islands mentioned.
“Flood-prone roads and other low-lying areas may be closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams,” forecasters said in a statement. ”Urban areas may receive more significant flooding and property damage due to rapid runoff.”
A cold front is expected to move through the area, creating favorable conditions for heavy showers and thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon and evening.
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A flood watch has been issued for Kauai County, effective from Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon.
The National Weather Service warns that flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible during this time on Niihau and Kauai.
“Conditions will become increasingly favorable for the development of heavy showers and thunderstorms as a cold front approaches and moves through Tuesday through Wednesday,” forecasters said in the alert.
They say light-to-moderate southeast winds will bring spotty showers, with brief downpours possible, across all islands today.
As the front approaches Tuesday, forecasters expect winds to shift from the south and become gusty Tuesday. The front is expected to move across the island chain Tuesday through Thursday, bringing widespread rainfall and the potential for heavy showers and thunderstorms.
Officials warn that flood-prone roads and other low-lying areas on Kauai County may be closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams. Urban areas may also receive more significant flooding and property damage due to rapid runoff.
The public should monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued, officials advise.
The weather service also issued a gale warning early this morning for Hawaiian offshore waters beyond 40 out to 240 nautical miles, including the portion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument east of French Frigate Shoals.
