NWS Honolulu Issues Flood Watch for Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flood Watch for Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau due to heavy rainfall from Hurricane Lala. The watch is in effect from Saturday evening through Monday morning, August 17 at 6:00 AM HST.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued the Flood Watch on August 15 at 4:25 PM HST. Hurricane Lala will continue to bring heavy rain to the Big Island and Maui County through late tonight, before spreading heavy rainfall to Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau from Saturday evening through late Sunday night.
Current forecasts project rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches, with localized amounts reaching up to 8 inches across the impacted regions. Flash flooding caused by this excessive rainfall will be possible throughout the affected areas.
The Flood Watch covers Niihau, all regions of Kauai, and Oahu, including Central Oahu, the Honolulu Metro area, East Honolulu, the Waianae Coast, Oahu North Shore, Olomana, Ewa Plain, and both the Windward and Leeward Koolau areas.
Potential impacts include the closure of flood-prone roads and low-lying areas due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams. Urban areas may experience more significant property damage and flooding as a result of rapid runoff.