Flooding in Hawaii closes schools, disrupts traffic

HONOLULU - Heavy rains triggered flash floods in parts of Oahu,closing schools and snarling traffic.

The National Weather Service kept a flash flood warning for partsof Oahu in effect throughout Thursday, urging people to seek higherground and to stay away from streams and low-lying areas.

Authorities closed down part of Kamehameha Highway and the OahuCivil Defense Agency warned residents to avoid traveling betweenWaiahole and Kahuku because of road closures.

"We're advising everyone who lives on that side to stay away andmake arrangements to stay elsewhere this evening, if at allpossible," said William Balfour, agency administrator.

An emergency evacuation shelter was opened at the Hauula Chapel inHauula, civil defense officials said.