Updated: June 26, 4:45 p.m.
The National Weather Service maintained a flash flood watch for Kauai and Niihau Wednesday afternoon while removing Oahu in face of improving conditions.
Tuesday's storm caused problems throughout the island. The Oahu Department of Emergency Management said on Twitter that at least three people were reported hit by lightning.
Wednesday morning, transportation officials tweeted that traffic lights were out or flashing along Nimitz Highway/Ala Moana Boulevard from Sand Island Access Road to South Street. Right lanes near Restaurant Row westbound on Ala Moana and the left lane on Nimitz past River Street at the curb were closed due to flooding.
The rains also closed the Pali Highway morning contraflow lanes.
The weather service said its radar at 5 a.m. showed moderate rain and thunderstorms in south and east Oahu. Rainfall rates have eased to about 1 inch per hour from Tuesday's 3 to 4 inches, but were still affecting the morning commute in urban Honolulu.
The flash flood watch is in effect through the afternoon. A low pressure system is drawing moisture over Oahu and Kauai and that could lead to rain, sometimes heavy, as well as a chance of thunderstorms.
A flash flood watch means conditions could result in quickly forming flooding. Residents and visitors should take precautions and be prepared to move to higher ground.
According to the weather service, conditions should improve Thursday and through Friday.
