Flood Advisory issed for Lanai and Molokai until 6:45 pm 1/10/11

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood ADVISORY for the islands of Lanai and Molokai until 6:45 p.m. (Monday, January 10, 2011)

Radar image January 10, 2011. Courtesy National Weather Service. Click image to enlarge.

At 3:48 p.m., radar indicated moderate to locally heavy showers moving over Lanai from the west to east.  The showers are expected to continue through early evening.

At 3:42 p.m., heavy rain was reported over western Molokai.  The area of heavy rain was moving east at 15 mph.  Other locations in the advisory include but are not limited to Molokai Airport, Maunaloa, Kualapuu, Kepuhi, Kalaupapa, Hoolehua, and Halawa Valley.

As a precaution, the public is advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding.  Rainfall and runoff will also cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding and reduced visibility, and poor breaking action.

Motorists and pedestrians should not cross fast flowing or rising water in their vehicle or on foot.  The advisory may need to be extended beyond 6:45 p.m. if heavy rain persists.

There is also a Flood Potential Outlook for the state as a strong cold front is expected to bring heavy rains and the possibility of flash flooding on Wednesday and Thursday.  *** At 5:25 p.m., The National Weather Service also issued a Flood Advisory for the island of Maui until 8:15 p.m.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, information courtesy National Weather Service)