By Nikki Garrett Metzger
(Oahu )– Severe thunderstorms came ashore this morning dropping hail the size of golf balls, up to the size of baseballs, causing flooding, and closing highways this morning.
Currently there is a flash flood warning in effect for the Island of Oahu until 10:15 am. Flooding was reported in Haleiwa Town at Paalaa Rd and Kamehameha Highway. Heavy rain was also occurring over east Oahu from Manoa to Hawaii Kai, and was moving onshore near Waianea and Makua Valley. A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 10:00am for the island of Oahu. Conditions are still right for additional severe thunderstorms to develop over the area.
The National weather Service has also issued a flash flood warning for the island of Kauai until 11:00am. Although heavy rain had ended over the area runoff levels remain high. Kuhio Highway at the Kanalei Bridge remains closed. Kaapuni Road in Kapaa is also reported to be closed.
There have been many, many storm reports. Kaneohe had baseball size hail earlier this morning. Flash flooding in Laie with water up to several feet deep in yards and on roads was also reported.
A waterspout that came ashore was spotted in Lanikai. Police reported 3 feet of water over Kamehameha Highway. Waikane bridge is now reported open after an early morning closure. A Red Cross Shelter is open at Waiahole High and Intetmediate.
OAHU SCHOOL CLOSURES: Calvary Preschool in Kaneohe, Koolau Baptist Academy in Kaneohe, Kamehameha Schools Preschool – Heeia, Waimanalo, Kahaluu and Kahuku, Hawaii Kai Church Early Learning Ctr, Kailua Baptist Preschool, Kahanapono Preschool Daycare
KAUAI SCHOOL CLOSURES: Kanuikapono Charter School, Kamehameha Schools Preschool- Anahola
MAUI SCHOOL CLOSURES: Kamehameha Schools Preschool Hana
Lanikai Elementary Public Charter School has been closed today.
NO SCHOOL today at Ali’i Academy in Kailua. The school property is flooded.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii requests all base personnel and employees to stay where they are until further notice unless they are essential facilities department or emergency response personnel.
The NWS is keeping a close eye on the radar as indications of a line of severe thunderstorms continue to approach Oahu from the south. These storms were south of Honolulu and Kahala and are capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph and small hail.
Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to affect the area for most of today and possibly tomorrow. All islands will be vulnerable for heavy showers and thunderstorms through tonight. Expect the heavy weather to lessen Saturday, with a return to more typical trade wind weather for the new work week, according to the NWS in Honolulu.