LIHU‘E — The National Weather Service in Honolulu is predicting a storm system coming in from the northwest capable of producing thunderstorms that could potentially cause flash flooding will hit Kaua‘i early this morning.
Currently, there is a broad upper-level disturbance that is making the island atmosphere very unstable, which could cause pop-up storms this morning and diminish by this afternoon.
Today through Saturday, the NWS is reporting a high chance of precipitation. Friday there is a 50% chance of precipitation, and Saturday there is a 40% chance of precipitation.
“It is kind of a messy weather pattern,” NWS forecaster Tom Birchard said. “With this pattern of rain, a couple of inches of rain is not out of the question. The confidence in the details is lower than normal.”
After the overnight showers that will persist Friday, the NWS anticipates there will be a gradual drying trend throughout the weekend.
The tradewinds are expected to be between 20 and 25 knots near and upstream of Kaua‘i during the thunderstorm.
The west-northwest swells aren’t anticipated to be too high headed into the weekend, and the NWS doesn’t anticipate issuing a high-surf advisory.
Monday through Wednesday, there was a significant amount of rainfall at certain spots on Kaua‘i.
Data for Hanalei, where the Kuhio Highway bridge over the Hanalei River was closed due to flooding Wednesday, was not available from the NWS.
Wainiha recorded 6.35 inches of rain over one 72-hour period. Kilohana Crater, a few miles inland of Puhi, recorded 8.33 inches in one 72-hour period earlier this week.
The NWS recommends not crossing fast-flowing water in vehicles or on foot. Those experiencing heavy rains or rising waters should head to higher ground immediately.
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Jason Blasco, reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or jblasco@thegardenisland.com.
