Wet Weather Continues in Maui County: March 4, 2011

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 7:15 p.m. March 4, 2011)

Flood Advisory for Maui extended until 9:45 p.m.

The National Weather Service has continued the Flood Advisory for the Island of MAUI until 9:45 p.m. The advisory may be extended beyond 9:45 p.m. if heavy rain persists. At 6:36 p.m. radar showed heavy rain near Kihei, or about 8 miles south of Kahului, moving northeast at 30 mph.

Other locations in the advisory include, but are not limited to, Wailuku, Waikapu, Waihee, Waiehu, Pukalani, Pauwela, Paia, Napili, Makawao, Launiupoko, Lahaina, Kapalua, Kahakuloa, Kaanapali, Huelo, Hookipa Beach Park, Honolua, Honokowai, Honokohau, Haliimaile and Haiku.

(Update: 3:52 p.m. March 4, 2011)

Flood Advisory extended for Maui until 6:45 p.m.

The National Weather Service has extended a Flood Advisory for the island of Maui until 6:45 p.m.  At around 3:30 p.m., radar showed heavy rain over the western slopes of Haleakala.  Forecasters say the area of rain was training northeast at 15 mph.  Other locations in the advisory include, but are not limited to: Wailuku, Waikapu, Waihee, Waiehu, Pukalani, Pauwela, Paia, Napili, Makawao, Launiupoko, Lahaina, Kapalua, Kahakuloa, Kaanapali, Huelo, Hookipa Beach Park, Honolua, Honokowai, Honokohau, Haliimaile and Haiku.

(Update: 2:20 p.m. March 4, 2011)

Flood Advisory issued for Maui until 4:30 p.m.

Areas prone to flooding began ponding as a heavy line of showers began making its way across Maui this afternoon. Photo by Wendy Osher.

A Flood Advisory has been issued for the Island of MAUI, in effect until 4:30 p.m.  The National Weather Service reported that at 1:24 p.m. radar showed a slow moving line of moderate to heavy showers moving over West Maui from the southwest.   Other locations in the advisory include but are not limited to Waiehu, Napili, Kapalua, Kahakuloa, Kaanapali, Honolua, Honokowai, Honokohau and Lahaina.

A Flash Flood WATCH remains in effect through tonight for Kauai, Niihau, Oahu and Maui County. Forecasters from the National Weather Service say a slow-moving front will be near Kauai and Oahu tonight, generating locally heavy rainfall. The moist and unstable air in advance of the front will bring heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms to the islands of Maui County.

(Update: 12:48 p.m. March 4, 2011)

Flood Advisory Extended for Lanai:

The National Weather Service extended a flood advisory for the island of Lanai until 2:45 p.m.  At 12:30 p.m., radar showed a slow moving line of heavy showers moving over Lanai from the Southwest. Other locations in the advisory include, but are not limited to Lanai City, Shipwreck Beach, and Koele.

(Update: 10:52 a.m. March 4, 2011)

Lanai Added to Flood Advisory:

Puddles projected for West Maui as a slow moving line of showers makes its way over Maui County. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for the island of Lanai until 12:45 p.m.  At 10:48 a.m., radar showed a slow moving line of heavy showers moving over the western portion of the island, and traveling slowly to the east.  Other locations in the advisory include but are not limited to: Lanai city, Shipwreck Beach and Koele. A separate flood advisory for Molokai expired at 11 a.m.

Line of Showers Continues Advance to East

A band of cloud and showers continues its path east over Molokai, Lanai and portions of West Maui this morning. While individual shower cells are moving northeast at 20 miles per hour, the line is moving east at around 10 miles per hour. Heavy showers within the line will bring reduced visibility, and localized wind gusts near 50 miles per hour. While the line will primarily affect Molokai and Lanai this morning, it is expected to spread to the remainder of Maui this afternoon.

Wind Advisory in effect until 6 p.m.

A wind advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. for the summit of Haleakala and for the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Kahoolawe. Winds are expected to be in the 20-30 mph range with gusts up to 50 mph.

The strong winds are being generated by a surface low north of the islands and a sharp upper level trough. The trough will bring strong southwest winds to the upper elevations. Locally gusty winds are expected to the north and east of mountain ranges, where winds accelerate down the slopes.

Winds this strong can move loose objects or cause property damage to structures with poorly connected roofs. Winds can also making driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Motorists should drive with caution.

(Supporting information courtesy the National Weather Service)