Maui: Flood Watch, Wind & High Surf Advisories

By Wendy Osher

There are several advisories in effect for Maui County including a Flood Watch and Wind Advisory through this afternoon, and a High Surf Advisory for the East facing shores through Monday morning.

Flood Watch: CANCELLED

(Update:  2:36 p.m.)

The Flood Advisory for the island of Maui was cancelled at 2:36 p.m. as heavy rain along the Hana coast moved offshore.

(Posted: 8:51 a.m.)

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued a Flash Flood Watch for Maui County through this afternoon.

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding.

Forecasters from the NWS say the threat of wet weather is due to a low pressure system aloft with increasing moisture moving in from the east.

The threat of heavy showers and thunderstorms will mainly be focused over the windward coasts and terrain, but heavy runoff may also occur in streams on leeward slopes, according to NWS forecasters.

Wind Advisory:

(Update:  1:54 p.m.)

A wind advisory has been added to the island of Lanai, and extended for the upper slopes of Haleakala on Maui. The Wind Advisory for Lanai is in effect until 6 a.m. on Monday as sustained winds of 20-30 mph are expected, with 40 mph gusts.

(Posted: 8:51 a.m.)

A wind advisory for the Summit of Haleakala is in effect until 4 p.m. due to sustained winds of 25-35 mph, with 50 mph gusts.

Winds will be northeast to east.  Forecasters say the windy conditions can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

High Surf Advisory:  In effect until 6 a.m., Monday, Dec. 12, 2011

A high surf advisory remains in effect for the east facing shores of Maui and Molokai until 6 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2011..

Surf is expected to be in the 6 to 10 foot range, building through today, before diminishing tonight into Monday.

High tide is expected between 2:01 and 3:19 p.m. this afternoon at 1.5 feet.  The next high tide of just under 3 feet is expected between 4 and 5:18 a.m. on Monday.

The rough and chopp surf can produce rip currents and localized beach erosion.

***Supporting information courtesy, National Weather Service/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.