Flood Watch Issued for Kauai, Niihau, and Oahu Due to Tropical Cyclone Lala
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flood Watch for Kauai, Niihau, and Oahu ahead of heavy rain from Tropical Cyclone Lala. The watch remains in effect from Saturday evening through 6:00 AM HST on Monday, August 17.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Honolulu issued the Flood Watch at 3:55 AM HST on August 15. The designated watch area encompasses Niihau, Kauai, and Oahu, including Central Oahu, the Honolulu Metro area, East Honolulu, Ewa Plain, Olomana, Koolau Windward, Koolau Leeward, Waianae Coast, Waianae Mountains, Oahu North Shore, Kauai Mountains, Kauai North, Kauai East, Kauai South, and Kauai Southwest.
According to the weather agency, Tropical Cyclone Lala is bringing periods of heavy rainfall across the island chain. Heavy rain will affect the Big Island and Maui County through late Saturday night, moving across Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau from Saturday evening through late Sunday night. Current forecasts project rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches, with localized totals reaching up to 8 inches.
Excessive rainfall presents a continued threat of flash flooding across the impacted areas. Overflowing streams and elevated runoff may cause the closure of flood-prone roads and low-lying areas. Additionally, urban locations face risks of rapid runoff, which could lead to property damage and more significant local flooding.
The NWS advises residents and visitors in the affected regions to monitor subsequent forecasts and stay alert for changing weather conditions as the system moves through.