FLASH FLOOD WATCH ISSUED FOR MAUI & BIG ISLAND COUNTIES

(Updated at 3:46 p.m. Sat, Aug 8, 2009 by Wendy Osher)

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Kahoolawe, Lanai, Maui, Molokai and the Big Island of Hawaii from Monday morning through Tuesday afternoon.

(Click on Image to enlarge. Satellite imagery updated at 11 a.m. HST. Image courtesy The National Weather Service & NOAA)

Abundant moisture associated with Felicia is expected to produce extremely heavy rainfall with the potential for widespread flash flooding increasing on Monday and continuing on Tuesday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

People in flood prone areas need to prepare now for the possibility of torrential rains associated with Felicia. Rock and mudslides are also possible once the heavy rain begins. Stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding.

It is important to remember that heavy flooding rainfall could occur well away from the center of Felicia.

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Please continue to monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action should a flash flood warning be issued.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local broadcast stations or NOAA Weather Radio for updates. NOAA Weather Radio can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. The NOAA Weather internet service can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl.

Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov.

(Updated @ 3:46 p.m. Sat Aug 8, 2009 by Wendy Osher. Information provided by Forecasters Burke/R and Ballard from the Pacific Disaster Center)