The National Weather Service rainfall summary showed 17.94 inches of rain at Wai'ale'ale in the 24-hour period ending at 8:45 a.m. today. Wai'ale'ale is reputed to be the wettest spot in the United States.

The gauges recorded 8 inches along the Hanalei River, which flowed over Kuhio Highway, closing off access between Princeville and Hanalei Town on the island's north side.

Civil Defense coordinator Mark Marshall said the south side of Waikomo Stream in Koloa ran over its banks, flooding two homes overnight. That water was retreating by morning, he said.

State highways crews were attending to mud slides and rock slides at several locations on Kaua'i.

Weather forecasters predict an additional day of possible heavy rains for the islands of Kaua'i, O'ahu and Moloka'i.

While Kaua'i has taken the biggest hit in the last 24 hours, flash-flood watches will remain in place for the three islands at least until noon tomorrow, said Henry Lau, with the National Weather Service.

"We're looking at one more day of potential heavy rains through a good portion of tomorrow," Lau said, adding that on O'ahu most of the rain is falling between Kailua and Kane'ohe. "The angle of the low level wind flow and the orientation of the Ko'olau Mountain traps the moisture along Windward and the Ko'olau."