UPDATE: Flood Watch for Western Portion of State

By Wendy Osher

1:19 p.m. Friday, November 4, 2011 Map courtesy National Weather Service/NOAA

(Update: 3:33 a.m. 11/5/11)

The National Weather Service has cancelled the flash flood watch for Maui County and the Big Island of Hawai’i.

The flood watch for Niihau, Kauai and Oahu remains in effect through Sunday.

The wet weather over the western portion of the state is due to a low aloft, centered just west of Kauai.  The low will drift east toward Oahu this afternoon and tonight, according to NWS forecasters.

Trades are expected to keep showers moving along, but there is still a good chance that heavy rain will become anchored over windward areas of affected islands.

(Update: 12:43 p.m. 11/4/11)

The National Weather Service has extended a flood watch for the entire state, including Maui County, through Sunday.

An area of deep moisture and unstable air has increased the threat of flash flooding.

The NWS notes that the potential for heavy rain will continue through Sunday afternoon.

(Update: 9:09 a.m. 11/4/11)

The flood advisory for the island of Maui has been cancelled.  Radar showed heavy rains have ended.

Meantime, a Flood Watch remains in effect for all islands in the state through this afternoon.

Forecasters say an upper low will continue the threat of heavy rainfall, along with a slight chance of thunderstorms, into the weekend.

(Update: 7:14 a.m. 11/4/11)

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for the Island of Maui until 10:15 a.m.

At 7:10 a.m., radar showed heavy rain near Waihee (about 7 miles west of Kahului). The area of heavy rain was nearly stationary.

Rainfall rates were estimated in excess of two inches per hour.

Other locations in the advisory include, but are not limited to: Waiehu, Napili, Kapalua, Kahakuloa, Kaanapali, Honolua, Honokowai and Honokohau.

***Supporting information courtesy the National Weather Service/ NOAA.

(Update: 7:07 a.m. 11/4/11)

A flash flood warning has been cancelled for the island of Maui; however, runoff is still occurring.

The National Weather Service reports that despite the cancelled warning, streams will remain high for several hours.

Meantime, a Flood Watch remains in effect for all islands in the state through this afternoon.

Forecasters say an upper low will continue the threat of heavy rainfall, along with a slight chance of thunderstorms, into the weekend.

Flood Warning Map, courtesy National Weather Service & NOAA.

(5:12 a.m. 11/4/11)

A flood warning remains in effect for the island of Maui until 7:15 a.m.

Radar images continue to show rainfall at rates of 3-5 inches per hour in affected areas.

The National Weather Service says there is an enhanced threat in areas of steep terrain along the windward and southeast slopes of Haleakala.

A flash flood warning means that flash flooding is imminent or already occurring in streams, roads and low-lying areas.

Motorists and pedestrians are reminded not to cross fast flowing or rising water in their vehicle or on foot.

Forecasters say the flood warning may extend beyond 7:15 a.m. if heavy rain persists.