Thundershowers yesterday prompted the closure of a school on Kaua'i and delayed the return home of students at four schools in Kona.

A flash-flood watch was in effect until at least late last night for the island chain except for the Big Island. A strong upper trough northwest of Kaua'i moved over the state last night.

The weather system was expected to move east of the state today, decreasing the chance of rain.

Kaua'i received the most rain yesterday, with several spots getting more than 4 inches in the 24-hour period ending at 8 last night. Hanapepe had 5.79 inches in that period, Makaha Ridge 4.94 inches, 'Oma'o 4.77 inches and Mount Wai'ale'ale 4.74 inches.

Heavy rains overnight Tuesday prompted the closure of Hanalei Elementary School on Kaua'i.

State Department of Education spokesman Greg Knudsen said the school itself is fine but that heavy runoff flooded the road at Hanalei Bridge, restricting access to the school.

Classes at the school are expected to resume today, barring continuing weather problems.

Heavy rains on the Big Island yesterday afternoon closed Hawai'i Belt Highway from Captain Cook to Kealia Ranch south of Honaunau.

The Department of Education kept some students on campus at Konawaena High School, Konawaena Middle School, Ko-nawaena Elementary School and Honaunau School because the road to their homes was closed.

At 5:45 p.m. the county said one lane of the highway was opened, and that students were being transported home by bus.

On O'ahu, a thunderstorm with very heavy rain and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning moved across Kailua, Waimanalo and Makapu'u Point before moving off-shore at midmorning.

Police received reports of flooding on Makaloa Street and stoplight problems at the corner of Ke'eaumoku Street and Kapi'olani Boulevard, where the water was reported to be 18 inches deep.