Honolulu, Hawaii – Drivers across Hawaii have less than three hours before heavy downpours begin raising the risk of flash flooding on flood-prone roads by noon Sunday, threatening evening travel statewide.
According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a Flood Watch remains in effect from noon HST Sunday through 6 a.m. Monday for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Niihau. Forecasters warn that slow-moving heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms will develop over island interiors this afternoon, increasing the potential for rapid runoff and overflowing streams.
On Oahu, urban Honolulu, the Ewa Plain and the Koolau Windward and Leeward areas face a heightened risk of street flooding, especially near low-lying intersections and underpasses. The Waianae Coast and North Shore could see ponding on Farrington Highway and Kamehameha Highway during heavier bursts. Emergency managers caution that runoff may overwhelm storm drains during intense showers.
On Kauai, flood-prone stretches in Lihue and Hanalei could see water covering roadways by late afternoon. In Maui County, interior sections of the Maui Central Valley and windward Haleakala may experience rising streams by early evening before the focus shifts overnight to windward and mauka communities.
Residents should avoid driving through water-covered roads, charge electronic devices and monitor official alerts. Additional warnings may be issued quickly if rainfall rates intensify. The Flood Watch remains in effect through 6 a.m. Monday, and conditions could change rapidly overnight.
