Maui Under Flood Watch Through Friday Morning

Satellite imagery as of 12:30 p.m. on 12/18/13, courtesy NOAA/NWS.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 12:45 12/18/13)

The National Weather Service issued a Flood Advisory for the island of Maui until 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

At 12:36 p.m., NWS forecasters say radar showed heavy rain falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour near ʻUlupalakua.

Other locations in the advisory include Wailea and Mākena.  A flood watch remains in effect until 6 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 20.

Satellite imagery, 6:30 a.m. Dec. 18, 2013. Courtesy NOAA/NWS.

(Posted: 6 a.m. 12/18/13)

A flash flood watch was issued for Maui County with unstable conditions expected from midnight tonight  through 6 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 20.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service say showers will be especially enhanced over the windward areas, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms a strong possibility during the watch period.

The NWS released the watch information saying, “A mid- and upper-level low pressure area is anticipated to spread moist and unstable air over the eastern half of the state ushering in the threat of heavy rainfall.”

According to the forecast, “the threat for heavy rainfall is expected to linger through early Friday.”

As a precaution, the public is reminded that rainfall and runoff can cause hazardous driving conditions including ponding, reduced visibility, and poor braking action.

Motorists and pedestrians are reminded not to cross fast flowing or rising water in their vehicle or on foot.