Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie has declared a disaster on the islands of Kauai and Oahu after days of relentless rain caused flooding, mudslides, waterspouts, hail and dangerously high surf, the Chicago Tribune and other sources are reporting.
The sun was putting in a brief guest appearance Wednesday, but forecasters said more rain was coming Friday and Saturday. Wainiha, on Kauai, has seen more than 35 inches since Saturday, with more than 15 inches dumped on the island’s main city, Lihue.
Parts of Oahu saw more than 15 inches, and Honolulu officials said the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve would be temporarily closed because of heavy rains and surface runoff. Several golf courses in the state capital also faced closures during the week.
Hawaii News Now is reporting that Oahu, Kauai and Molokai are the potential targets for this weekend's inclimate weather. East southeast winds will take over Friday, trades will return Sunday with drier weather. The National Weather Service (NWS) canceled the flash flood watch for most of the state on Wednesday.
In one bit of good news, Kauai Beach Resort announced that they were still open for business, and sent over some photos to prove that the resort was doing just fine in the face of the storm.
