Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for Kauai

(Update: 8:04 p.m. 12/9/10)

A Flash Flood WARNING has been extended for the island of Kauai until 11:15 p.m.  The National Weather Service issued the update shortly after 8 p.m.  Radar at the time, showed moderate to heavy rain moving over the Garden Isle from the West and South.  The showers were moving northeast at 20 to 30 mph.

Forecasters say that although rain rates have eased slightly, streams remain high and runoff continues.  The warning may need to be extended beyond 11:15 p.m. if flash flooding persists.

(Update: 6:22 p.m. 12/9/10)

Radar showed severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds of 60 mph. The storm was located near Lihue, Kauai and was moving East at 40 mph. The conditions have resulted in a Severe Thunderstorm WARNING for Kauai until 7 p.m. The Severe Thunderstorm WATCH for both Kauai and Honolulu counties continues until 2 a.m. Friday.

Radar 6:45 p.m. HST. Image courtesy National Weather Service.

(Update: 6:15 p.m. 12/9/10)

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Kauai and Honolulu Counties until 2 a.m. Friday. The watch also includes waters to the Northwest, Windward and Leeward sides of Kauai, Kauai Channel, and both Leeward and Windward Oahu waters. The National Weather Service says conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Weather of this type can produce damaging winds in excess of 60 mph and/or hail of 1 inch in diameter or larger.

(Update: 5:53 p.m. 12/9/10)

The Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Kauai expired at 5:45 p.m. Radar indicated that although there was still thunderstorms with very heavy rain over southwest Kauai, the storms no longer appeared to be likely to produce damaging winds.

(Update: 5:15 p.m. 12/9/10)

At 5:14 p.m. Radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. The storm was located near barking sands or 28 miles west of Lihue, moving east at 40 mph.

12/10/10 4:05p Radar image courtesy National Weather Service.

The storm will be near Waimea at 5:25 p.m., 6 miles north of Hanapepe at 5:35 p.m., Omao at 5:40 p.m. and Kalaheo at 5:40 p.m.

The National Weather Service says that the storm could produce cloud to ground lightning.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, Supporting information courtesy National Weather Service) *** If you like this post, you might also like our story on a new affordable housing project planned in Wailuku for residents with disabilites.