Heavy Pockets of Rain Over Most of Maui, Flood Advisory Issued

March 28 satellite imagery, courtesy NOAA/NWS.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 4:22 p.m. 3/28/14)

The National Weather Service has extended the flood advisory for the Island of Maui until 7 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2014. Forecasters say the advisory may need to be extended if heavy rain persists.

Forecasters with the NWS say radar at 3:48 p.m. showed moderate to heavy rain continuing mainly over west Maui near Wailuku and over east Maui from Hāna to Kīpahulu.

According to the NWS forecast, the current round of heavy rainfall is expected to diminish over the next couple of hours.

There is also a Flood Advisory in effect for Molokaʻi until 5:45 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2014; and a Flood Watch for the entire state until 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2014.

(Update: 3:47 p.m. 3/28/14)

National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for the Island of Molokaʻi until 5:45 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2014.

At 2:44 p.m., NWS forecasters say radar showed heavy rain over portions of the island, with the most intense rainfall between Molokaʻi Airport and Maunaloa, and from Kamalo to Hālawa Valley.

According to the NWS, rainfall rates as high as 1-3 inches per hour were reported.

There is also a Flood Advisory in effect for Maui until 4 p.m.; and a Flood Watch for the entire state until 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2014.

(Posted: 1:25 p.m. 3/28/2014)

Heavy pockets of rain reported over several different areas of Maui prompted a flood advisory from the National Weather Service that will remain in effect until 4 p.m., but may need to be extended longer if heavy rains persist.

At 1:10 p.m., NWS forecasters say radar showed heavy rain over windward West Maui from Kahakuloa to Wailuku, and over the north slopes of Haleakalā near Pukalani.

According to the NWS forecast, a rain gauge at the location was recording a rainfall rate of one to two inches per hour.

Heavy rains were also affecting the area near ʻUlupalakua, with areas of heavy rain “drifting slowly toward the east.”

March 28, 2014 map.  Green areas indicate locations under a flash flood watch; and the bright yellow area is under a special marine warning, courtesy NOAA/NWS.

The advisory includes most of Maui, with the exception of the northwest coast from Lahaina to Nāpili, according to the National Weather Service.

The public is reminded to stay away from streams, drainage ditches, and low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.

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

In addition to the flood advisory, there is also a flood watch in effect until 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 30; and a special weather statement issued for the entire state.

***Supporting information and imagery courtesy NOAA/NWS.

March 28 water vapor satellite imagery, courtesy NOAA/NWS.