Flood Advisory: Rain Lingers Over Waiheʻe, Maui

This sign is posted at the ʻUlaʻino River in East Maui, which can overflow during heavy rains, making the road impassable. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 10:38 a.m. 3/21/14)

Another flood advisory has been issued for the Island of Maui, in effect until 12:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service says radar shortly before 10:30 a.m. showed and area of nearly stationary heavy rain over the West Maui Mountains near Waiheʻe.

The agency also reports that rain gauges are showing rainfall rates of over one inch per hour at times.

The new advisory includes, but is not limited the areas of Waiehu, Nāpili, Kapalua, Kahakuloa, Honolua, Honokōwai, and Honokōhau.

The advisory may need to be extended beyond 12:30 p.m. if heavy rain persists.

(Original post: 6:41 a.m. 3/21/14)

A rainfall rate of nearly two inches per hour was recorded at a gauge in Haʻikū this morning, according to data compiled by the National Weather Service.

In addition to the rain gauge data, the agency also observed a line of showers extending from Paʻuwela to Nāhiku in East Maui at around 6:30 a.m., prompting a flood advisory for the island until 9:30 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2014.

The area of rain was moving west at around 5 mph, with additional shower development expected, according to NWS forecasters.  

Other locations in the NWS advisory include: Haʻikū, Hoʻokipa, Pāʻia, Hāliʻimaile, Makawao and Spreckelsville.

The agency advises the public to stay away from streams, drainage ditches, and low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.  Motorists and pedestrians are also reminded not to cross fast flowing or rising water in their vehicle or on foot.

The advisory may be extended beyond 9:30 a.m. if heavy rain persists.