Heavy rains that soaked
2 islands move east
The quick and heavy thundershowers that hit Oahu and Kauai yesterday afternoon moved over Maui and the Big Island last night, where they are expected to persist through much of the day, the National Weather Service said.
The forecast for Oahu today still calls for cloudy skies and scattered showers, but nothing like yesterday morning when heavy rains tied up traffic on roadways and caused minor flooding and ponding.
"It should be a bit drier (today), but wetter than usual" on Oahu's windward side, said Weather Service lead forecaster Jeff Powell.
Parts of the state could see moderate showers into tomorrow, with tradewinds in the 15 to 25 mph range, he said.
Almost 6 inches of rain fell on Kauai's Mount Waialeale during the 24 hours ending at 5:45 yesterday afternoon and more than 4 inches fell in Hanalei.
Over the same period, 1.1 inches inch fell in upper Nuuanu, 1.3 inches fell near the Wilson Tunnel and Manoa's Lyon Arboretum saw just over an inch of rain.
Firefighters responded to six homes for minor flooding yesterday, most of which were in the Waialae area, said Fire Capt. Kenison Tejada.
But the rains, although heavy at times, passed quickly. The Weather Service issued an urban and small stream flood advisory for Kauai and Oahu in effect until yesterday afternoon.
"It turned out not to be as busy as we thought it might be," Tejada said.
The thunderstorms were associated with a cold front coming out of the northwest, said forecaster Bob Ferrell.
He said tradewinds across the state will pick up today and could reach speeds of 30 mph in some areas.
Powell agreed it would be "pretty gusty" today, adding that the winds aren't expected to be high enough for an advisory.
The Weather Service issued a small craft advisory last night effective through today for all Hawaiian waters.
