VIDEO/PHOTOS: Upclose View of Rainy Maui

Iao Stream overflowing. Photo courtesy County of Maui.

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPr4RWkZttI /]

By Wendy Osher

Heavy rains over Maui forced the closure of ‘Iao Valley and Polipoli State parks today as Flash Flood Warning conditions dropped an estimated 4-inches of rain per hour at Waiehu this afternoon.  The warning was cancelled at 3:08 p.m.

Rain gauges at 2:45 p.m. showed 3-hour rain totals of 0.26 inches in Haiku, 0.20 inches at the Kahului Airport, 1.82 inches at Puu Kukui, 1.12 inches at the Waikapu Country Club, and 1.18 inches at Mahinahina in West Maui.

County crews meantime, responded to a series of weather related incidents across Maui and Molokai as heavy rains flooded homes, blocked streets, and resulted in runoff across the county.

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for Maui County as well as Oahu and Kauai through 4 a.m. on Saturday.

The threat of heavy rains and thunderstorms will spread west from Maui today, to Kauai by tonight, according to forecasters with the National Weather Service. The wet weather will bring increased runoff that could produce flash flooding and potentially result in landslides.

Water pushing debris downstream into the Kaluaaha Bridge. Photo by Maui Fire Department fire fighter Kahiwa McVay.

Maui Fire Department personnel looking at flooded home at 661 Kam V Highway on Molokai. Photo by Maui Fire Department fire fighter Kahiwa McVay.

Rainy Wailuku near War Memorial Stadium. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Flooding along the Wailuku section of the Honoapiilani Hwy. Photo courtesy County of Maui.

Flooding on Holua St, just north of the Kea Street intersection. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Ponding just before entrance to Kepaniwai. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Rain headed into 'Iao. Photo by Wendy Osher.'Iao Stream. Photo courtesy County of Maui. Ponding at 'Iao roadways. Photo by Wendy Osher.

'Iao Park closure. Photo by Wendy Osher.