UPDATE: 5:30 p.m.

The flash flood warning for Oahu, Maui and Kauai counties has expired.

5 p.m.

Tropical Storm Lala is holding steady as it moves westward, passing farther southwest of Kauai County but the threat of heavy rainfall and gusty winds from the storm’s outer bands remains for portions of the main Hawaiian Islands.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Kauai County, which includes Kauai and Niihau. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the next 12 hours in the warning area.

At about 5 p.m., Lala was located about 240 miles west of Honolulu and about 170 miles west-southwest of Lihue.

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Lala was packing maximum sustained winds near 65 mph with higher gusts and traveling to the west near 16 mph. A westward motion is forecast through Tuesday followed by a turn toward the west-northwest on Wednesday. Lala could become a hurricane by Wednesday.

“Little change in intensity is expected during the next day or two as Lala continues westward away from the main Hawaiian Islands and south of the eastern portion of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands,” according to the forecast. “Thereafter, the intensity guidance continues to indicate a strengthening trend, with Lala forecast to regain hurricane intensity around midweek as it begins to turn northwestward.”

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center. Gusts will persist over Kauai County into the overnight period with the strongest winds over high terrain areas.

Rain will continue to taper off across Hawaii island and Maui by tonight, but flash flooding and mudslides are possible. Forecasters report heavy rainfall and possible flooding will continue tonight or early Monday.

Large ocean waves generated by the storm will continue to affect exposed shores of the islands tonight and gradually decrease from east to west by Monday.

“Use caution after Lala passes as deadly hazards remain, including flooded areas and downed power lines. If you use a generator, be sure it is placed outside at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and garages to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning,” according to the forecast.

2:52 p.m.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a flash flood warning for Oahu, Maui and Kauai counties until 5:45 p.m. today.

At 2:19 p.m., the Doppler radar showed heavy rain falling over eastern Maui with diminished rates of 1 inch or less per hour. The eastern portion from Kipahulu to Hana to Nahiku saw the heaviest rainfall. The water level at Oheo Gulch is rising slowly, while flash flooding is ongoing.

“Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Kipahulu, Kaupo, Nahiku, Keanae, Kula, Makawao, Keokea, Pukalani, Hana, Huelo and Haiku-Pauwela,” according to the forecast.

At 2:27 p.m., the Doppler radar showed heavy rain falling over Kauai at a rate of up to 1 inch per hour. Flash flooding is ongoing along the Manoa Stream at Haena Beach, which Kuhio Highway is closed at the Hanalei River Bridge.

“Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Princeville, Kilauea, Hanalei, Wainiha, Haena, Moloaa, Alakai Swamp Trails, Anahola, Na Pali State Park, Kokee State Park and Kalihiwai,” according to the forecast.

At 2:52 p.m., the Doppler radar showed a heavy band of rain traveling over Windward Oahu mostly over the Koolau Mountains. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2.5 inches per hour.

Waiahole and Manoa streams were elevated again. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin soon.

“Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Honolulu, Waipio, Waiahole, Waikane, Kahaluu, Ahuimanu, Aiea, Pearl City, Halawa, Moanalua, Mililani and Salt Lake,” according to the forecast.

2 p.m.

Tropical Storm Lala continues traveling west away from Kauai and Niihau but its outer bands are still bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds to portions of the smaller islands, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

The tropical storm warnings for Maui County and Oahu have been discontinued.

At about 2 p.m., Lala was centered about 330 miles west-northwest of Kailua-Kona and about 195 miles west of Honolulu. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center. A wind gust of 39 mph was recently reported at Lihue Airport, CPHC said.

Lala was traveling with maximum sustained winds of near 65 mph with higher gusts and moving west near 20 mph. Lala is forecast to move west through Tuesday night then turn toward the west-northwest on Wednesday.

“Little intensity change is expected through Monday. Some restrengthening is forecast thereafter, and Lala could become hurricane again on Tuesday or Wednesday,” according to the forecast.

A flash flood warning remains in effect for Maui and Kauai counties until 2:45 p.m. today, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

At 1:25 p.m., the Doppler radar showed heavy rain falling over eastern Maui at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour with isolated showers up to 3 inches per hour. The heaviest rain continues falling over Kipahulu and Hana areas. The water level at Oheo Gulch is increasing and flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin soon.”

The warning covers Kipahulu, Kaupo, Nahiku, Keanae, Kula, Makawao, Keokea, Pukalani, Hana, Huelo and Haiku-Pauwela.

NWS also issued a high wind warning until midnight for the summit of Haleakala, including Haleakala National Park which remains closed.

Forecasters said south winds up to 50 mph with gusts up to 70 mph have been reported. Winds are expect to decrease through the evening, they said.

A flood watch is in effect for the Big Island and Maui County through this afternoon, and for Oahu, Kauai and Niihau through this evening.

11:50 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Kauai and Maui counties until 2:45 p.m. today.

At 11:46 a.m. today, the Doppler radar showed heavy rain falling over Kauai at a rate of up to 1 inch per hour.

Kuhio Highway was reportedly inundated and closed at the Hanalei River Bridge.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Princeville, Kilauea, Hanalei, Wainiha, Haena, Moloaa, Alakai Swamp Trails, Anahola, Na Pali State Park, Kokee State Park and Kalihiwai.

At 11:50 a.m. today, the Doppler radar showed heavy rain falling over the eastern side of Maui at a rate of 2 to 3 inches per hour. The heaviest rainfall was in the areas of Hana and Kipahulu.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Kipahulu, Kaupo, Nahiku, Keanae, Kula, Makawao, Keokea, Pukalani, Hana, Huelo and Haiku-Pauwela.

11:45 a.m.

Tropical Storm Lala continued moving away from the Hawaiian Islands today but still posed a rain and wind threat to Oahu, Kauai and Maui County.

A flash flood warning for Oahu expired at noon today.

“Rain will continue to taper off across the Big Island and Maui this afternoon, however additional areas of flash flooding and mudslides will be possible,” according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. “Otherwise, heavy rainfall and the potential for flooding and mudslides from Lala will continue across the rest of the island chain through later tonight.”

At 11 a.m., Lala was 140 miles west of Honolulu with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and moving west-northwest at 16 mph, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 140 miles from the center.

The storm was south of Kauai and Niihau this morning and its center is expected to be well past those islands by tonight.

Still, CPHC forecasters said Lala’s outer bands were bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to parts of Maui County, Oahu and Kauai County, which are all under a tropical storm warning. All islands also remain under a flood watch.

Large and dangerous waves are expected to continue across portions of the Hawaiian Islands today with surf growing along the east-facing shores and the exposed southern shores as Lala passes by the islands.

10 a.m.

The National Weather Service has extended a flash flood warning for Oahu until noon as heavy rains pound the windward side of the island.

“At 9:38 a.m., Doppler radar indicated a band of moderate to heavy rain over the northern half of Oahu moving parallel to the Koolau Mountains,” the warning said. “Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 1.5 inches per hour.

“Several streams in this area, including Waiahole Stream in Kahaluu and Heeia Stream in Haiku, remain at elevated or rising water levels. A significant rise has also been observed on the Waikane Stream. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly and could result in additional road closures, especially along portions of Kamehameha Highway on the windward side.”

The warning area includes Waikane, Waiahole, Mililani, Punaluu, Kaaawa, Wahiawa, Kahaluu, Pearl City, Wheeler Field, Ahuimanu and Hauula.

The weather service said to expect flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

8 a.m.

As Tropical Storm Lala passes south of Oahu, heavy rainfall and gusty winds continue over portions of Oahu and Maui County while storm conditions decrease across Kauai County.

At about 8 a.m. today, Lala was located 190 miles west-northwest of Kailua-Kona and about 75 miles southwest of Honolulu.

Lala was packing decreased maximum sustained winds of 65 mph with higher gusts and traveling northwest at 14 mph. The storm is expected to turn westward soon and continue in the same motion through Tuesday night. The center of the storm is forecast to pass south of Kauai County today then move south of the easternmost northwestern islands early this week.

Lala is predicted to weaken over the next day or so then regain strength by midweek.

The tropical storm warning for Hawaii County has expired, but the tropical storm warning remains in effect for Oahu, Maui and Kauai counties. A tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions are expected within 12 hours in the warning area.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center. Marine Corps Air Station in Kaneohe recently reported wind gusts of 67 mph.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the flash flood warning for Oahu until 9 a.m. today.

At 6:54 a.m., the Doppler radar showed heavy rain falling over Oahu at a rate of 1 to 1.5 inches per hour with flash flooding ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Flash flooding may ocur in small creeks, streams, streets, urban areas, highways and underpasses along with areas with poor drainage.

EARLIER COVERAGE

Lala — now downgraded to a tropical storm — continues to bring life-threatening flooding across portions of Hawaii island and Maui County as well as heavy rainfall and gusty winds across Oahu as it travels south away from the islands, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Hawaii County, Maui County, Oahu and Kauai County. A tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions are expected within 12 to 24 hours in the warning area.

“Lala is showing ill effects from land interaction with the Hawaiian Islands and dry air intrusions this morning,” according to the forecast. “… Given the current structure of Lala and the drier air surrounding the storm, some additional near-term weakening is forecast. However, the intensity guidance this cycle was more aggressive with restrengthening during the middle part of this week, particularly the hurricane regional models.”

As of 5 a.m. today, Lala was located about 140 miles west-northwest of Kailua-Kona and about 75 miles south of Honolulu.

Lala was packing maximum sustained winds of 70 mph with higher gusts and moving northwest at 14 mph. Lala is forecast to turn westward later today. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center.

The storm’s center is forecast to remain south of the smaller main islands and the easternmost northwestern islands over the next couple of days. Lala is forecast to weaken over the next day or so then strengthen by midweek.

A weather station located on the northwestern portion of Molokai at an elevation of 175 feet reports sustained winds of 53 mph and gusts of 69 mph.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Oahu until 7:30 a.m. today.

At 5:18 a.m., the Doppler radar showed heavy rain falling across Oahu at a rate of 1 to 3 inches per hour. Local streams such as Manoa is showing record stream flows.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Honolulu, Waipio, Pearl City, Mililani, Waikele, Aiea, Wahiawa, Waipahu, Wheeler Field, Kunia, Halawa and Waiahole.

A flood advisory has been issued for Lanai in Maui County until 8:45 a.m. today.

At 5:16 a.m., the Doppler radar showed moderate to locally heavy rain falling over Lanai at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin soon in the advisory area. Bands of heavy rain is expected to travel in from the southeast over the next few hours.

Some locations that will experience flooding included Lanai City, Manele and Lanai Airport.

Wind: Strong wind gusts continue across Hawaii island and Maui County this morning, especially over areas with high terrain. Portions of the smaller islands will experience tropical-storm-force winds with gusts nearing hurricane strength today. Forecasters report that tropical storm conditions will spread across Oahu this morning and Kauai County later today. Wind speeds atop mountains, on the windward and leeward slopes are reportedly up to 30 percent stronger than near-surface winds and even greater in some elevated areas.

Rainfall: Lala is expected to generate additional rainfall of 1 to 3 inches across the windward areas of Hawaii island and Maui. A maximum total of 30 to 35 inches of rainfall is expected over windward Big Isle. Rain will continue to taper across Hawaii island and Maui this morning, while additional flash flooding and mudslides are possible. Heavy rainfall and the possibility of flooding generated by the storm will continue to spread westward across the islands today. Rainfall of 2 to 6 inches is expected across the remaining islands with the highest rainfall totals over windward Kauai.

Storm surge: The combined dangerous storm surge and tide will lead normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters. Water could possibly reach 1 to 2 feet on Oahu and Kauai above ground if peak surge happens at the time of high tide.

Surf: Large and dangerous waves will continue growing westward across the exposed windward waters today. Swells will grow over the leeward waters as Lala passes south of the islands. The heavy surf may lead to localized coastal flooding and significant beach erosion, forecasters report.

Caution is advised after Lala passes the islands as deadly hazards such as flooded areas and downed power lines may remain.

“If you use a generator, be sure it is placed outside at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and garages to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning,” according to the forecast.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes avaialble.