Brown Water Advisory for Maui

By Wendy Osher

Image courtesy: State Department of Health/Google maps.

The flood watches and advisories from the weekend have been lifted, but a Brown Water Advisory is now in effect for Maui and the Big Island.

The advisory has been in effect since Saturday, when heavy rains resulted in runoff across the islands.

The state Department of Health advises the public to stay out of storm water and waters that are turbid and brown.

Flood waters and storm water runoff can contain pathogens from possible overflowing cesspools, sewer manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, chemicals, and associated flood debris.

On the Big Island, there is also a winter weather advisory in effect for the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea summits. Snow and ice is expected above the 11,000 foot elevations, with additional snowfall of 1 to 2 inches expected through the day.

The advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m., with freezing rain posing travel difficulties.  Motorists making the ascent to the Big Island Summits should be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibility.