Not so wet this weekend after all

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

The heavy rains that were predicted for most of the state this weekend aren't likely to happen after all.

Instead, National Weather Service lead forecaster Bob Farrell said the forecast is for cloudy periods with the possibility of isolated showers.

"It looks pretty good for the weekend," Farrell said.

But earlier yesterday, the weather service was calling for thunderstorms throughout the weekend as a slow-moving low-pressure system northwest of the state drew showers and thundershowers from the south.

Heavy rains fell on Kaua'i yesterday, but there were no reports of major flooding. Heavy rains also were expected over O'ahu last night.

Over a 24-hour period ending at 2 p.m. yesterday, the highest rainfall total was 2.25 inches at Hanapepe. No other rain gauge registered more than an inch.

"That was pretty much what we had in mind, just a little less emphasis on the showers," Farrell said. "It looked like it could be serious and fortunately it isn't."

The low-pressure system may bring rain to Maui and the Big Island today and tomorrow, but Farrell said "it doesn't look like any organized heavy rains."

But the National Weather Service said beachgoers should be cautious, particularly on the north and northwest facing shores.

A high-surf advisory was issued last night, with surf of 15 to 20 feet expected this afternoon.

A storm far north of the Islands has generated the large north-northwest swells.