National Weather Service Issues Flood Watch for Kauai, Niihau, and Oahu
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flood Watch for Kauai, Niihau, and Oahu starting Saturday evening due to expected heavy rain from Tropical Cyclone Lala. The watch remains in effect until August 17 at 6:00 AM HST.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a Flood Watch on August 14 at 11:38 AM HST for the islands of Kauai, Niihau, and Oahu. The alert is active from Saturday evening, August 15, through late Sunday night, August 17 at 6:00 AM HST.
Tropical Cyclone Lala is forecast to bring periods of heavy rain to the region. Heavy rain is expected on the Big Island and Maui County from Friday evening through Sunday, spreading to Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau from Saturday evening through late Sunday night. Current forecasts predict rainfall amounts between 4 and 6 inches, with localized totals reaching up to 8 inches, particularly in windward areas.
Excessive rainfall may lead to flash flooding across the affected areas. Overflowing streams and elevated runoff could force closures of flood-prone roads and low-lying areas. In urban areas, rapid runoff may cause more significant flooding and property damage.
The specific areas covered by the watch include Niihau, Oahu North Shore, Olomana, Central Oahu, East Honolulu, Honolulu Metro, Ewa Plain, Koolau Windward, Koolau Leeward, Waianae Coast, Waianae Mountains, as well as Kauai North, East, South, Southwest, and the Kauai Mountains.