HONOLULU -- The state Department of Transportation announced Friday afternoon that it would keep the Pali Highway closed in the Kailua-bound direction because of hazardous road conditions, officials said.

The road closure would last through the afternoon rush hour. The highway is closed from Waokanaka Street to Kamehameha Highway.

At about 4:45 p.m., police sent out a message that it would use the Honolulu-bound lanes of the Pali Highway for travel to the windward side. Honolulu-bound traffic from Kailua will be diverted from Castle Junction to Likelike Highway, officials said.

Early Friday morning, a waterfall pounded Pali Highway on the Kailua-bound side after the second tunnel. Drivers were forced to use alternate routes such as Likelike Highway and the H-3 Freeway.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service at 4 p.m. lifted the flash flood watch that had been in place for Oahu, Kauai and Niihau.

Officials said the conditions should begin to dry out Friday evening. Normal trade wind weather is predicted for the weekend with light windward and mauka showers.

Storm Rainfall Totals (Feb. 28, 5 a.m.-Mar. 2, 2 p.m.):
Oahu:

Punaluu 22.84 inches

Hakipuu Mauka 16.02 inches

Kahuku 12.26 inches

Poamoho 9.75 inches

Kailua 7.47 inches

Mount Waialeale 20.61 inches

Maui:

Kaupo 14.64 inches

Big Island:

Glenwood 7.6 inches

The city will provide sandbags to residents whose homes are still in danger of flooding. To request the sandbags you can call 247-3553 or 293-5657.