Severe Thunderstorm Watch Continues for Maui County

Radar imagery courtesy NOAA & NWS 3/5/12.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 10:24 p.m. 3/5/12)

The National Weather Service reports another strong thunderstorm is headed toward Molokai’s south shore. The system is expected to move ashore over western Molokai between now and 10:45 p.m. Wind gusts are expected to be in the 50 mph range with very heavy rain and frequent cloud to ground lightning are possible as the storm moves onshore.

(Update: 9:48 p.m. 3/5/12)

The Flood Advisory for the island of Maui expired at 9:45 p.m.; however, a Flash Flood Watch Remains in effect through Tuesday afternoon for the entire state.

The island of Molokai remains under a Flood Advisory until 10:45 p.m. .

There is also a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect for the entire County of Maui and Honolulu County until 1 a.m. on Tuesday, 3/6/12.

A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.

The conditions are capable of producing winds upwards of 58 mph.

The watch is also in effect for windward and leeward waters of both Oahu and Maui as well as the Kaiwi and Pailolo Channels, and Maalaea Bay.

(Update: 9:17 p.m. 3/5/12)

The National Weather Service has allowed the Severe Thunderstorm Warning to expire for the island of Molokai.

The storm that prompted the warning has weakened; however strong, gusty winds to 40 mph, and small hail is still possible over Molokai Airport, Hoolehua, and Kualapuu through 9:45 p.m.

The island of Molokai remains under a Flood Advisory until 10:45 p.m. At 7:42 p.m., radar showed a large area of heavy rain spreading over Molokai from the Southwest.

The Flood Advisory for Maui remains in effect until 9:45 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., radar showed moderate to heavy rain over East Maui from Kipahulu to Hana.

There is a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect for the entire County of Maui and Honolulu County until 1 a.m. on Tuesday, 3/6/12.

A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.

The conditions are capable of producing winds upwards of 58 mph.

The watch is also in effect for windward and leeward waters of both Oahu and Maui as well as the Kaiwi and Pailolo Channels, and Maalaea Bay.

(Update: 9:02 p.m. 3/5/12)

The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the island of Molokai.

The Warning is in effect until 9:15 p.m.

Radar just before 9 p.m. continued to indicate a severe thunderstorm capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph.

The National Weather Service reports that the storm is now located 6 miles south of Molokai Airport, moving northeast at 20 mph.

Forecasters say the storm is expected to pass near of just east of Molokai Airport near Hoolehua and Kualapuu.

The island of Molokai is also under a Flood Advisory until 10:45 p.m. At 7:42 p.m., radar showed a large area of heavy rain spreading over Molokai from the Southwest.

The Flood Advisory for Maui has been extended until 9:45 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., radar showed moderate to heavy rain over East Maui from Kipahulu to Hana.

There is a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect for the entire County of Maui and Honolulu County until 1 a.m. on Tuesday, 3/6/12.

A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.

The conditions are capable of producing winds upwards of 58 mph.

The watch is also in effect for windward and leeward waters of both Oahu and Maui as well as the Kaiwi and Pailolo Channels, and Maalaea Bay.

(Posted: 8:54 p.m. 3/5/12)

The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the island of Molokai.

The Warning is in effect until 9:15 p.m.

At 8:44 p.m., radar showed a severe thunderstorm capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph.

Forecasters with the NWS say the storm was located 9 miles southwest of Kaunakakai, or 45 miles west of Kahului, and was moving northeast at 25 mph.

Locations in the advisory include Kaunakakai, Kualapuu, Hoolehua and Kalaupapa.

As a precaution, individuals in the storm’s path should prepare for damaging winds, and dangerous lightening. Those outside should move indoors to shelter.

***Supporting information courtesy NOAA & NWS.