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Heavy rain and strong winds battered the state on Sunday, causing flooding and high surf and leading to the closure of all regular schools on Molokai today.
“Parts of the island have been inundated by heavy rains, creating unsafe conditions and preventing access to some campuses,” according to a press release from the Department of Education. “The contractually agreed bus service has also been temporarily cancelled.”
The schools that will be closed are Kaunakakai Elementary, Kilohana Elementary, Maunaloa Elementary, Molokai Middle and Molokai High.
Officials will assess conditions today to decide whether schools can safely resume operations on Tuesday, the release said.
All other regular public schools in Hawaii remain open at this time.
Meanwhile, Oahu was under a flood warning until early Sunday evening.
Affected areas included Honolulu, Pearl City, Waiahole, Aiea, Waikane, Halawa, Kahaluu, Mililani, Ahuimanu, Waikele, Salt Lake, Moanalua, Wahiawa, Waipahu, Wheeler Field, Kaaawa, Kalihi and Punaluu.
A High Surf Warning was in effect for the north- and west-facing shores of Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, and Niihau, and the north-facing shores of Maui as of 6:00 p.m. today.
Forecasters said they expect big, breaking waves of 12 to 16 feet along the north shore and 8 to 12 feet along the west shore that will make swimming dangerous. Large north-westerly swells should continue along the island chain Sunday evening, then peak overnight and early this morning, and decrease tonight.
Affected areas included the Waianae Coast, North Oahu Shore, Niihau, southwest and northern Kauai, and western and northern Molokai upwind.
“Wind waves of fresh to strong northeast winds will combine with the northwest swell to create very harsh conditions through tonight, particularly on Kauai and Oahu,” forecasters said Sunday.
Flood monitoring is in place for Oahu, the island of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe through this afternoon due to excessive rainfall. A flood watch means conditions are favorable for flash flooding.
Flood-prone roads and other low-lying areas may be closed if there are overflowing streams and increased runoff, forecasters said. Urban areas could be subject to significant flooding and property damage as a result.
Additional precipitation is expected from Oahu to the Maui County islands and the island of Hawaii through today, weather forecasters said. “Already saturated soil will quickly allow additional runoff to form, increasing the risk of flooding,” forecasters said.
A wind warning was in effect for parts of Oahu, Kauai and Niihau through Sunday evening.
“Such strong winds can rip off shingles, knock over tree branches, blow away tents and make driving difficult, especially for drivers of high-profile vehicles,” the guide says.
Forecasters urge taking precautions e.g. For example, watch out for falling branches, secure tents and awnings, and prepare for possible power outages.
A fallen tree on power lines resulted in the temporary closure of the Kamehameha Highway in both directions on Kawailoa Drive Sunday morning. The downed lines caused power outages that affected 915 customers in Haleiwa, Helemano, Kawailoa, Waialua and Waimea, according to Hawaiian Electric’s power outage map.
Some Hawaiian Islands have a small boat recommendation.
The recommendation for Maui County’s windward and leeward waters is in effect until 6 p.m. today. Expect NE winds of 15 to 20 knots with waves of 7 to 12 feet making conditions dangerous for small boats.
The recommendation for the northwest, windward and leeward waters of Kauai, the Kauai Canal, the Kaiwi Canal and the windward and leeward waters of Oahu is in effect until 6:00 p.m. today. Expect NE winds of 20 to 30 knots with higher gusts and waves of 10 to 15 feet.
“Inexperienced seafarers, particularly those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions,” weather forecasters said.