Weakening Front Brings Wet Weather to Maui

Rain. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

(3 a.m. 1/29/13)

A Flash Flood Watch for Oahu and Maui County has been cancelled. Forecasters from the National Weather Service say the threat for hazardous flash flooding has diminished as heavy showers have begun to slowly dispense.

(Update: 3:35 p.m. 1/28/13)

A flash flood watch has been extended for Oahu and Maui County.

Forecasters from the National Weather Service say that while overall heavy shower coverage has decreased, enough activity remains across portions of the watch area to prompt a continuance of the watch through tonight.

The forecast calls for lingering instability associated with an old front, which may trigger heavy rainfall, and pose a threat for flash flooding.

The public is advised to avoid going near streams and low lying areas that are prone to flooding.

(12:03 p.m. 1/28/13)

The Flash Flood Warning for the island of Maui was cancelled at around noon. Forecasters from the National Weather Service say radar showed heavy rainfall had weakened and moved offshore. A Flood Watch remains in effect until 6 p.m. for Oahu and Maui County.

(9:38 a.m. 1/28/13)

A “flash flood warning” has been issued for the island of Maui. The warning is in effect until 12:30 p.m., and replaces the advisory and watch that were in effect earlier today.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service say at 9:24 a.m., radar showed very heavy rain along the Kahekili Highway between Wailuku and Kahakuloa. The area of heavy rain was nearly stationary, and poses a flash flood threat to the area, authorities said.

Other locations in the waring include but are not limited to Waihee and Kahakuloa.

A flash flood warning means that flash flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads, and low-lying areas.

Motorists and pedestrians are reminded not to cross fast flowing or rising water in their vehicle or on foot.

(Update: 8:55 a.m. 1/28/13)

The flood watch for the island of Maui has been upgraded to a flood advisory until 11:45 a.m.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service say at 8:42 a.m., the rain gauge at Kahakuloa showed heavy rain falling at about two inches per hour. Radar also showed a line of moderate to heavy showers along the coast and windward slopes from West Maui through Hana. NWS officials say the area of rain is nearly stationary.

Other location sin the advisory include Kahakuloa, Honokohau and Hana.

As a precaution, the public is advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas that are prone to flooding.

Motorists should be mindful of hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action.

Motorists and pedestrians are reminded against crossing fast flowing or rising water in a vehicle or on foot.

(Posted: 8:06 a.m. 1/28/13)

A flash flood watch is in effect for Oahu and Maui County until 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 28.

Forecasters from the National Weather Service say a weakening front will bring occasional heavy showers and a slight chance for thunderstorms with the greatest threat over Maui County.

Areas in the watch include Kahoolawe, Lanai, Maui, Molokai and Oahu.

The NWS advises that a “flash flood watch” means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. It does not have to be raining heavily in a particular location for flash flooding to occur.

The public is advised to monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action if a flash flood warning is issued.