Flooding rains batter Kauai, triggering rescues and closing all the island’s public schools
A deep area of low pressure has draped a stationary front across Kauai, leading to stubborn rounds of heavy rain through much of Friday.
The National Weather Service reported rain falling at 2-3 inches per hour along Kauai, prompting Flash Flood Warnings lasting into Friday morning. In addition, a rare Severe Thunderstorm Watch was in effect until 10 a.m. Friday for thunderstorms with possible quarter-sized hail and/or wind gusts of 58 mph or stronger. It's the islands' first Severe Thunderstorm Watch in nearly 500 days, and it's the first for Lihue since December 2022.
The Hawaii Department of Education canceled all classes across the island Friday due to flooded roads and unsafe conditions. All bus service on the island was suspended as well until conditions improved.
Officials have reported multiple rescues from cars and houses due to flooding, the Kauai Emergency Management Agency said.
