Flash Flood — Kauai, Hawaii

2021-03-09 to 2021-03-10 · near Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii

Event narrative

Heavy rain caused the Hanalei River to overflow near the Hanalei Bridge, which then closed Kuhio Highway in that area. Other areas in northern Kauai were affected by downpours that caused debris flows unto roadways, near Princeville, Kilauea, and Wailoko. Other areas that had problems were near Lihue at Niumalu and Hulemalu roads, and in Kapaa where the Keapana Bridge became impassable.

Wider weather episode

A slow-moving surface trough, heading east to west, and an upper disturbance triggered heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms that caused flash flooding in some instances. Damages occurred to public and private property, including roads and bridges washed out. Nine homes were destroyed, 44 suffered major damage, and 55 suffered minor damage. No significant injuries were reported.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (22.2097, -159.4825)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 938611. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.