Maalaea Bay among waters included in Special Marine Warning

(Updated 6:43 a.m. 1/12/11)

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Marine Warning for the following island waters until 8:45 a.m.:

• Alenuihaha Channel
• Pailolo Channel
• Maalaea Bay
• Maui County Leeward Waters
• Maui County Windward Waters
• Kaiwi Channel
• Oahu Windward Waters

At 6:40 this morning, radar showed an area of thunderstorms producing strong winds that were 34 knots or greater located 18 nautical miles southwest of Lanai City.  The system was moving northeast at 35 knots.  An additional line of thunderstorms was also observed, moving northeast at 35 knots.

As a precautionary measure, mariners should seek safe harbor until the storm passes.  Mariners can expect gusty winds, locally higher seas, dangerous lightning, and reduced visibility in heavy rain.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, Information courtesy National Weather Service)

6 a.m. 1/12/11 Satellite imagery. Click to enlarge. Image courtesy National Weather Service.