MauiNOW Severe Weather Update: 11:45 p.m. Jan. 12, 2011

(Update: 11:45 p.m. 1/12/11)

Molokai Flood ADVISORY in effect until 2:30 a.m. 1/13/11:

A Flash Flood ADVISORY was issued for the island of Molokai until 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2011. According to the National Weather Service, radar at 11:21 p.m. showed moderate to heavy rain moving over Molokai from the southwest and west. Showers are increasing to the west and south of Molokai and rain is expected to increase in both coverage and intensity over the next couple of hours.

(Update: 9:26 p.m. 1/12/11)

Maui Flood ADVISORY extended to 12:15 a.m. 1/13/11:

The Flood ADVISORY for Maui has been extended to 12:15 a.m. on Thursday 1/13/11. At 9:15 p.m., radar showed heavy showers moving over Maui’s Central Valley and over south Maui, with the heaviest rain from Wailea to Olowalu. These heavy showers will move rapidly toward the northeast . After this batch of heavy showers moves through, radar shows that heavy showers will ease, but ponding of water and runoff will continue. Areas most affected by this advisory include Kihei, Maalaea, Olowalu, Waikapu, Kahului, Puunene, Makawao, Pukalani and Kula.

(Information courtesy National Weather Service, posted by Wendy Osher)

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(Update: 7:30 p.m. 1/12/11)

Maui Flood Advisory extended to 9:30 p.m.:

The Flood ADVISORY for Maui has been extended to 9:30 p.m. Radar showered moderate to heavy rain moving over Maui from the southwest. The area of rain has spread from central Maui into east Maui. The showers have been falling on already saturated ground. The conditions may quickly cause minor flooding in streams and on roads.

(Update: 5:11 p.m. 1/12/11)

Maui Flood Advisory extended to 8:15 p.m.:

4:30 p.m. 1/12/11 Satellite imagery courtesy National Weather Service. Click to Enlarge image.

The National Weather Service has extended the Flood ADVISORY for Maui until 8:15 p.m. At 5 p.m., radar showed areas of moderate to heavy rain moving over portions of central and west Maui. The showers have been falling on saturated ground that may quickly cause minor flooding in streams and on roads. Other locations in the advisory include but are not limited to Wailea, Maalaea, Kihei, Wailuku, Kahului, Pukalani, Lahaina, Makawao and Paia. The public should stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding. Rainfall and runoff will also cause hazarsous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot.

Outlook for the state:

Forecast Discussion issued by the National Weather Service: “A wet and windy weather pattern will prevail over the state into Thursday. Gusty southerly winds, heavy rains and even some thunderstorms are expected as a cold front approaches from the west. The cold front will stall and weaken over the Western portion of the state on Thursday. After the front dissipates, conditions will gradually become drier Friday and Saturday with lighter southerly winds. Another Cold Front will approach the state early next week.”

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

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(Update: 2:25 p.m. 1/12/11)

The Flash Flood WARNINGS for the islands of Maui and Lanai have ended. The Warning has been replaced by a Flood Advisory on Maui which remains in effect until 5:15 p.m. Radar data showed moderate showers moving over central and west Maui from the southwest. These showers were moving northeast at 30 miles per hour. The showers will be brief, but will fall on saturated ground that may quickly cause minor flooding in streams and on roads. Other locations in the advisory include, but are not limited to Wailea, Maalaea, Kihei, Wailuku, Kahului, Pukalani, Lahaina, Makawao, and Paia.

(Update: 12:50 p.m. 1/12/11)

MECO Update – 12:50 p.m.

At approximately 12p .m. in Kula, another fallen tree, this time on Waiakoa Road, cut off power once again to customers in Kula, Keokea and Ulupalakua. Crews are on the scene.

MECO requests the public’s patience as work is done to restore power as safely and as quickly possible. Motorists are asked to proceed slowly and carefully. If anyone sees a fallen power line or utility pole, stay clear and call 911 or MECO immediately at 871-7777 on Maui, or 1-877-871-8461 on Lanai and Molokai.

(Update: 12:19 p.m. 1/12/11)

Flood Warning for Lanai until 3:15 p.m.

There is a Flash Flood WARNING in effect for the island of Lanai until 3:15 p.m. At 12:08 p.m., radar showed heavy rain over Lanai. Another area of very heavy rainfall will move over east Lanai to include Manele Bay and the Resort Area by 12:45 p.m.

(Update: 11:53 a.m. 1/12/11)

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Lanai until 12:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm WARNING for the island of Lanai in Maui County until 12:30 p.m. At 11:49 a.m., radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing damaging winds in excess of60 mph. This storm was located 6 miles south of Manele Harbor or 33 miles southwest of Kahului, moving north at 30 mph. The severe thunderstorm will be near Manele Bay at 12 noon.

THIS IS A DANGEROUS STORM. IF YOU ARE IN ITS PATH…PREPARE IMMEDIATELY FOR DAMAGING WINDS…AND DEADLY CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING. PEOPLE OUTSIDE SHOULD MOVE TO A SHELTER… PREFERABLY INSIDE A STRONG BUILDING BUT AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

(Posted by Wendy Osher: Supporting information courtesy: National Weather Service)

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(Update: 11:15 a.m. 1/12/11)

Maui Flood WARNING extended to 2:15 p.m.:

A Flash Flood WARNING for the island of Maui has been EXTENDED until 2:15 p.m. At 11:05 a.m., heavy rainfall was expected to move over Upcountry and Central Maui. Additional heavy rain was expected to move over Maui from the Southwest over the next several hours. Flash flooding will occur quickly on already saturated ground.

Other locations in the warning include, but are not limited to Wailea, Maalaea, Kiehi, Wailuku, Kahului, Pukalani, Lahaina, Makawao and Paia.

A flash flood warning means flash flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads and low-lying areas. Move to higher ground now. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot. Turn Around, don’t drown.

MECO REPORT 1 – 10:50 a.m.:

At 9:21 this morning, MECO’s Kula substation relayed open cutting off power to customers in Keokea, Ulupalakua and parts of Kekaulike and Kula Highway. Power was restored to customers on Kula and Kekaulike Highway at 9:50 a.m. Remaining customers were brought back on line at 10:44 a.m. after a tree was cleared from power lines on Kula Highway.

At this time, customers on Polipoli Road are without power as crews work to remove a fallen tree and repair downed power lines.

Molokai Flood Advisory Extended to 2:45 p.m.:

The Flood ADVISORY for the island of Molokai has been extended to 2:45 p.m. At 11:29 a.m., radar showed moderate to heavy rainfall over East Molokai. Stream gauges were showing elevated water levels at Kawela Gulch and Halawa Stream. More heavy rain is expected to move over Molokai from the Southwest.

(Posted by Wendy Osher: Supporting information courtesy: National Weather Service)

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(Update: 10:20 a.m. 1/12/11 by Wendy Osher, information courtesy National Weather Service)

Maui Remains Under Flood WARNING:

9:30 a.m. 1/12/11 Satellite imagery courtesy National Weather Service. Click image to enlarge.

A Flash Flood WARNING remains in effect for the island of Maui until 11:15 a.m. The initial heavy rainfall over Maui moved offshore to the northeast, however, runoff continues to occur and additional rainfall may be moving over Maui from the Southwest within the next hour. Locations in the Warning include but are not limited to Wailea, Maalaea, Kihei, Wailuku, Kahului, Pukalani, Lahaina, Makawao and Paia.

MECO REPORT 1 – 10:50 AM

At 9:21 this morning, MECO’s Kula substation relayed open cutting off power to customers in Keokea, Ulupalakua and parts of Kekaulike and Kula Highway. Power was restored to customers on Kula and Kekaulike Highway at 9:50 a.m. Remaining customers were brought back on line at 10:44 a.m. after a tree was cleared from power lines on Kula Highway.

At this time, customers on Polipoli Road are without power as crews work to remove a fallen tree and repair downed power lines.

Big Island Beach Closures:

The Ocean Safety Division reports the closure of Kahaluu and Laaloa/Magic Sands Beach Parks in Kona Due to high surf.

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(Update: 8:25 a.m. 1/12/11 by Wendy Osher, information courtesy National Weather Service)

8 a.m. 1/12/11 Satellite imagery courtesy National Weather Service. Click to enlarge.

Maui Flash Flood WARNING:

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood WARNING for the island of Maui until 11:15 a.m. At 8:19 a.m., radar showed heavy rain along a line extending from Lahaina to Ulupalakua. The showers were moving northeast at 20 mph. Additional heavy showers extend 30 miles offshore to the southwest. Other locations in the warning include but are not limited to Wailea, Maalaea, Kihei, Wailuku, Pukalani, Makawao and Paia.

Molokai Flash Flood ADVISORY:

A Flood ADVISORY is in effect for the island of Molokai until 11:45 a.m. At 8:24 a.m., radar showed heavy rain 15 miles southwest of Maunaloa moving northeast at 35 miles per hour.

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(Update: 5:45 a.m. 1/12/11 by Wendy Osher, information courtesy National Weather Service)

We have compiled a complete list of warnings, watches and advisories for Maui, Molokai and Lanai, as well as the rest of the state as a strong cold front moves over the islands today and tomorrow. This information will be updated throughout the event as conditions develop. Please check back for frequent updates.

6 a.m. 1/12/11 Satellite imagery. Click to enlarge. Image courtesy National Weather Service.

Maui Flood ADVISORY:

The Island of Maui is under a Flood ADVISORY until 8:45 a.m. At 5:41 a.m., radar showed moderate to heavy rain moving over Maui from the South, with an extensive area of rain extending well south of the island.

Although rain will initially focus along south and west Maui, the area of rain will spread to other portions of Maui this morning, and the entire island is included in the Flood Advisory.

Molokai Flood ADVISORY:

The island of Molokai is under a Flood Advisory until 8:45 a.m. At 5:36 a.m., radar showed moderate to heavy rain moving over the island from the south, with moderate to heavy rain extending well south of the island. Other locations in the advisory include but are not limited to: Molokai Airport, Kepuhi, Kalaupapa, Hoolehua, and Halawa Valley.

Lanai Flood ADVISORY:

The National Weather Service issued a Flood ADVISORY for the Island of LANAI, in effect until 8:15 a.m. At 5:10 a.m., radar showed heavy rain moving over Lanai from the south, with extensive rain shield extending well south of the island. Other locations in the Advisory include but are not limited to Lanai City and Shipwreck Beach.

Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Hawaii. Click to enlarge. Image courtesy National Weather Service.

Oahu Flash Flood WARNING:

The island of Oahu is under a Flash Flood WARNING until 8 a.m. At 4:48 a.m., radar showed heavy rain along a line extending from 12 miles southeast of Honolulu to Barbers Point to 12 miles southwest of Kaena Point, moving north at 20 mph. The warning includes the entire island of Oahu.

Kauai Flood ADVISORY:

The island of Kauai is under a Flood ADVISORY until 8 a.m. At 4:54 a.m., radar showed an area of heavy rain moving over Kauai from the south, producing rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Showers will initially affect communities of South Kauai, but will spread northward, eventually impacting the entire island.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS:

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, reduced visibility and poor braking action. Motorists and pedestrians should not cross fast flowing or rising water in their vehicle or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown.