Quarter-Inch Size Hail Falls in Olinda

 By Wendy Osher

Photo by Wendy Osher.

Quarter-inch size hail fell over parts of Olinda at around 3 o’clock this afternoon, according to a prelimary storm report from the National Weather Service.  The agency has issued flood advisories for both the islands of Maui, Lanai and Molokai.

The flood advisory for Maui has been extended until 8:15 p.m.  At 5 p.m., radar showed heavy showers near Ulupalakua, about 18 miles south of Kahului.  The rain was nearly stationary.  Areas in the expanded advisory include Kula, Wailea, Makena, Kihei and Keokea.

Earlier this afternoon, at around 3 p.m., radar indicated heavy rainfall over Olinda with developing rain over Pukalani and Makawao.  Additional areas of heavy rain are expected to develop through the afternoon hours.

There is also a flood advisory in effect for Lanai until 6:30 p.m.  At around 3:30 this afternoon, radar showed an area of heavy rain from Kamalapau Harbor to East Lanai.  The area of rain was moving slowly to the southeast.  Other locations in the advisory are Koele, Lanai City and Manele.

On the island of Molokai, a flood advisory remains in effect until 7:15 p.m.  At 4:15 this afternoon, radar showed heavy rainfall over the eastern portion of the island.

The public should stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding.  Rainfall and runoff can make driving difficult.  Motorists and pedestrians should not cross fast flowing or rising water in their vehicle or on foot.

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