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The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Oahu, Kauai and Niihau Thursday as moist, tropical air from the remnants of Felicia triggered heavy showers.
The advisory for all three islands was cancelled by 4 p.m. but not before downpours slowed traffic in Windward Oahu and soaked students on their way home from school.
“Even with the lights on and the windshield wipers going as fast as they can you still barely can see,” said Kaneohe resident Jennifer Walton.
“It was crazy last few hours,” added Kahaluu resident Darvon Silveira.
Silveira said he couldn’t leave his home Wednesday night after police shut down Kamehameha Highway at about 11 p.m. when Waikane Stream overflowed its banks.
“It was like four feet (deep) I think by the bridge,” said Silveira. “It was nuts.”
Kamehameha Highway was reopened at about 4 a.m. Thursday morning. Flooding is common in the area during heavy downpours.
While the rain was a nuisance to many, nearly the entire state is in need of a good soaking. The National Weather Service says gauges on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the leeward areas of the Big Island recorded below normal rainfall for the month of June.
“On June 25, the Maui County Board of Water Supply requested a 5 percent voluntary cut-back on water use for Upcountry Maui residents due to diminishing reservoir water levels,” wrote NWS hydrologist Kevin Kodama in his monthly precipitation survey.
Hawaii could be in store for more rain next week as Tropical Storm Guillermo is expected to cross into the Central pacific on Sunday.
Guillermo will likely reach Hurricane strength on Friday but just like Felicia diminish into a tropical depression as it approaches the state.
"We need the rain,” said Silveira, “especially the farmers.”
Andrew may be reached at ph. 368-7273.
