Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Kauai County

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for Kauai County at 3:20 p.m. on 3/5/12. Image courtesy, NWS & NOAA.

By Maui Now Staff

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Kauai County until 10 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued the Watch for areas that include Lihue, Waimea, Hanapepe, Anahola and Hanalei. The area includes adjacent coastal waters on the northwest, windward, and leeward side, as well as the Kauai Channel.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and near the watch area.

Forecasters from the National Weather Service advise individuals in the area to be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for potential warnings or additional weather statements issued by the NWS.

Severe thunderstorms are capable of producing winds in excess of 58 mph.

A Flash Flood Warning was also extended for Kauai until 5:45 p.m.

Earlier this afternoon, forecasters with the National Weather Service had reported diminished rainfall over the island, but noted that runoff levels remained high.

At around 2:23 p.m., the gauge at the Hanalei River remained at levels above the flood stage.

Authorities with Kauai Civil Defense also reported flooding conditions that led to the closure of Kamalu Road near the Wailua Homesteads Park and Olohena Road.

The Kuhio Highway also remained closed at the Hanalei Bridge.

***Supporting information courtesy NWS & NOAA.