Maui Forecast Calls for 60 mph Gusts Prompting Wind Warning

Windy conditions resulted in tree branches and debris on many Maui roadways. Photo 3/16/14 by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

High Wind Warning: Maui County

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning, which remains in effect until 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, with winds blowing from the NE at 30-45 mph, and localized gusts expected to be blowing at up to 60 mph.

According to the NWS forecast, the strongest winds in Maui County will be in the lee of mountain areas, across much of Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe, and through the Central Valley of Maui from Wailuku to Māʻalaea Harbor.

Windy conditions resulted in tree branches and debris on many Maui roadways. Photo 3/16/14 by Wendy Osher.

Areas identified in the wind warning include: the leeward areas of Molokaʻi, the mauka and makai areas of Lānaʻi, the island of Kahoʻolawe, leeward west Maui, Central Maui valley, leeward Haleakalā, Kaunakakaʻi, Mānele, Lānaʻi City, Lahaina, Kāʻanapali, Kahului, Kīhei, and Mākena.

The NWS says winds will peak tonight into Sunday morning.

The agency advises that winds this strong can result in damage to rooftops, broken and falling tree branches, downed trees and power lines, electric service interruptions, and flying debris.

Small Craft Advisory: Maui County Windward and Leeward Waters

On the water, there is a small craft advisory in effect until 6 a.m. on Monday, March 17, 2014.

The National Weather Service anticipates strong winds of 25 to 35 knots, and rough seas of 10 feet or greater for the leeward and windward waters surrounding Maui County.

As a precaution, inexperienced mariners, especially those with small vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.

A flood advisory was lifted at around 12:30 p.m. on 3/15/14, and is expected to give way to strong and gusty winds throughout the state. Earlier on Saturday, heavy rains were reported along the northeast facing slopes of Haleakalā and the West Maui Mountains, resulting in this rockslide at Honokōhau at around 8:20 this morning 3/15/14. Photo courtesy: Bryson Chartrand.

Rain gives way to wind:

A flood advisory was lifted at around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, and is expected to give way to strong and gusty winds throughout the state.

Earlier in the day, heavy rains were reported along the northeast facing slopes of Haleakalā and the West Maui Mountains, resulting in a rockslide (pictured left) at Honokōhau at around 8:20 a.m.