Oahu, Kauai Face High Winds; Flood Watch Continues Islandwide

Oahu and Kauai are under high-wind warnings as a statewide flood watch remains in effect. Officials closed many public facilities and opened shelters in anticipation of heavy rain and strong winds.

School and government closures

The Hawaii Department of Education announced Oahu public schools and DOE offices will be closed Friday. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi ordered non-essential City and County offices and services closed for the day.

Disaster response and support personnel must report to work. Other city employees will receive administrative leave.

Affected facilities and services

• Driver Licensing Centers and Satellite City Halls (appointments to be rescheduled).
• All municipal golf courses and the Honolulu Zoo.
• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and all Honolulu Botanical Gardens.
• Parks and recreational facilities, including athletic fields, pools, outdoor courts and gymnasiums not designated as shelters.

Shelters and safety guidance

Emergency shelters are open across Oahu. Existing sites include Wahiawa, Manoa Valley, Waianae and Kaneohe district parks.

Two additional shelters will open at Kahuku Elementary, 56-170 Pualalea St., and Nanakuli High & Intermediate, 89-890 Nanakuli Ave. All shelters accept pets.

Officials advise bringing essential items. Pack food, water, medications and pet supplies when possible.

Closures on Kauai and school impacts

On Kauai, Hanalei Elementary is closed due to flooding that limits campus access. Other public schools and HIDOE offices on Kauai, the Big Island and in Maui County remain open for now.

The DOE said decisions were made out of caution because of flooding, road concerns and possible power outages.

Warnings, advisories and forecast

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Kauai until 7:45 p.m. Radar and rain gauges showed heavy north shore rainfall at 1 to 3 inches per hour.

Sharp rises were observed at the Hanalei River gauge. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

• Flood watch: statewide through Friday afternoon.
• High wind warning: Kauai and Oahu through 6 a.m. Friday. South winds 20–35 mph, gusts up to 60 mph.
• Gale warning: waters around Kauai and Oahu through 6 a.m. Friday. Winds 25–35 knots. Seas to 14 feet.
• High surf advisory: south-facing shores of Oahu and Kauai County, waves 8–12 feet.
• Winter weather advisory: summits on Hawaii island above 12,500 feet through 6 a.m. Friday. Up to 6 inches of snow and a quarter inch of ice possible.

Areas at risk of flash flooding

• Kekaha, Princeville, Kilauea and Hanalei.
• Wainiha, Haena and North Fork Wailua Trails.
• Kokee State Park, Na Pali State Park and Waimea Canyon State Park.
• Polihale, Hanapepe, Mana, Barking Sands, Pakala Village and surrounding communities.

Marine and travel impacts

Marine conditions are deteriorating statewide. Inexperienced mariners are urged to seek safe harbor.

City officials warned of significant disruption to transportation. Expect road closures, traffic signal outages and transit delays.

Skyline will operate as scheduled. TheBus and Handi-Van services could be suspended if winds make operation unsafe. Check thebus.org for updates.

Outlook and public advice

Forecasters expect the heaviest rain to begin over Kauai and Oahu, then spread eastward tonight into Friday. Periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms may trigger flash flooding and landslides.

Residents should secure loose outdoor items and avoid flood-prone areas. Make early decisions if local conditions worsen.

Filmogaz.com will update this story as conditions change.