Flood Watch for Maui, Molokai

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 10:54 a.m., Tuesday, December 13, 2011)

The National Weather Service has cancelled a Flood Advisory for Maui.  A flood watch remains in effect until 6 p.m.

The conditions are due to an unstable air mass that will bring locally heavy showers and thunderstorms to most of the islands today.

The air mass is forecast to clear most of the islands Wednesday, but sticking around the Big Island through Thursday afternoon.

(Posted: 8:37 a.m., Tuesday, December 13, 2011)

A Flood Advisory is now in effect for the island of Maui until 11:30 a.m.

At around 8:15 this morning, radar showed heavy rain falling at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour along the windward East Maui coastline from Haiku to Kipahulu.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service say other locations in the advisory include, but are not limited to: Pauwela, Paia, Nahiku, Makawao, Keanae, Huelo, Hookipa Beach Park, Hana, and Haliimaile.

As a precaution, the public should stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding.

Pedestrians and motorists should not cross fast flowing or rising water in their vehicle or on foot.

A Flood Watch is also in effect for Maui and Molokai through 6 p.m.

The conditions are due to an unstable air mass that will bring locally heavy showers and thunderstorms to most of the islands today.

The air mass is forecast to clear most of the islands Wednesday, but sticking around the Big Island through Thursday afternoon.

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