Thunderstorms cause flooding on Kaua'i

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua'i Bureau

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — A powerful cluster of thunderstorms pounded northwest Kaua'i around noon yesterday, flooding the streets in Waimea and closing both Kuhio and Kaumuali'i highways for short periods.

Firefighter Dave Walker said water was more than two feet deep in low-lying areas of Waimea's business district. The wakes from passing cars sent waves into businesses near the Waimea Theater, he said.

"A waterfall was cascading off the high school field onto the highway," said police officer V. Fonoimoana.

As much as three inches of rain fell over mountain areas at Koke'e and Wainiha on the north side in a three-hour period around midday. National Weather Service meteorologist Bob Farrell said rainfall was probably higher in the central mountains and near Mt. Wai'ale'ale.

"These were like classic Mainland thunderstorms, with tops over 40,000 feet," he said.

Residents reported extended periods of thunder and offshore lightning.

The Waimea River punched through the sandbar at its mouth and was filled with debris. Firefighters worked with canoe club personnel to save a pair of outrigger canoes that the flood waters picked up.

The Manoa Stream near Ha'ena Beach Park ran so deep, the highway to Ha'ena was closed. Water and debris washing across the road east of the Russian Fort at Waimea temporarily closed that highway as well.

Police said there were no reports of serious property damage or homes flooded, although some businesses were still mopping out their storefronts as the weather moderated in late afternoon.

Farrell said a low-pressure system in the upper atmosphere southwest of Kaua'i set up conditions that allowed the thunderstorms to form. "The island topography just set it off," he said.