ʻĪao Valley State Monument Closed Due to Flash Flooding

ʻĪao Valley State Park closed due to hazardous conditions.

By Wendy Osher

ʻĪao Valley State Monument on Maui is closed today due to flash flooding concerns.

State officials with the Department of Land and Natural Resources issued the advisory this morning saying an update on park reopening will be issued once State Parks staff have been able to assess conditions within the park.

A flood advisory was issued for the Island of Maui until 11:15 a.m., with rainfall rates of 1 inch per hour expected across the West Maui Mountains.

The National Weather Service issued the advisory saying stream levels remain lelevated, and moderate to local heavy rain is expected to continue over the next couple of hours over Kahakuloa, Honolua, Waiheʻe and Honokōhau.

Photo by Wendy Osher.

A flash flood watch is also in effect until 6 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2015.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service say “a shortwave trough is expected to drag in a deep area of moisture, resulting in unstable weather conditions across Maui.”

The agency says this will increase the potential for heavy flooding and thunderstorms over Maui through Wednesday night.

Trades will keep rain over the slopes, bringing the highest threat of flooding to the windward sides of the island.

The public is advised that excessive runoff may result in rock and mudslides in areas of steep terrain. Motorists and pedestrians are reminded never to cross fast flowing or rising water in their vehicle or on foot.