NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
Radar shows heavy rain over Oahu and Kauai County earlier today.
Periods of heavy rain and hazardous ocean conditions continued today across parts of Hawaii, with the greatest flood risk focused on Kauai and Niihau as wet weather lingers into midweek.
The National Weather Service said a lingering weather system west of the islands is continuing to pull warm, moisture-heavy air northward, keeping showers in the forecast through at least early Tuesday. Some areas of Kauai and Oahu picked up another 1 to 2 inches of rain overnight, adding to already saturated ground from the weekend.
Forecasters said the flood watch remains in effect through late tonight for Kauai, Niihau and Oahu as even moderate rainfall could quickly turn into runoff. Flooding is most likely in low-lying areas, along streams and on roads that typically collect water.
While rainfall may be lighter than Sunday’s downpours, forecasters warned that slow-moving showers could linger over the same areas, raising the risk of flooding for streets and streams. Isolated thunderstorms are also possible, mainly over Kauai and Oahu, through early Tuesday.
Looking ahead, the flooding threat is expected to ease for Oahu by early Tuesday, but Kauai and Niihau could remain at risk through the middle of the week. Another cold front approaching from the northwest is forecast to stall near those islands, keeping skies mostly cloudy with periods of rain. Officials said flood watches may need to be extended for the western islands if conditions worsen.
Conditions should gradually improve late in the week, with fewer showers expected by Thursday and Friday. Tradewinds are forecast to return over the weekend, bringing drier air and more typical weather heading into the holiday week.
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At the same time, dangerous surf remains a concern statewide. A large north-northwest swell is producing advisory-level waves along north- and west-facing shores. Surf heights of 15 to 20 feet along north-facing shores and 10 to 14 feet along west-facing shores are expected to continue through this evening for Niihau, Kauai and Oahu, before slowly easing.
High surf advisories remain in effect into early Tuesday for Molokai, Maui and parts of Hawaii island, where an earlier warning was downgraded as surf heights came in lower than expected. Ocean safety officials continue to urge the public to stay out of the water if conditions appear unsafe.
Marine conditions are also rough, with a small craft advisory in effect through 6 p.m. today for waters around Kauai and Oahu. Seas of 7 to 10 feet are making conditions hazardous for smaller boats, especially for inexperienced mariners.
Residents and visitors are urged to monitor forecasts closely, avoid flooded roads and heed all ocean and marine advisories.
