UPDATE: Maui Under Flood Watch
[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_UmcdRZz3I /] By Wendy Osher
(Update: 4:15 p.m. 2/22/13)
A Flash Flood Warning for the Island of Maui has been cancelled. Officials with the National Weather Service say radar and rain gauges show that the heavy rains have ended. A Flash Flood Watch, however, remains in effect tonight and Saturday for the islands of Maui and the Big Island of Hawai’i.
(Update: 12:49 p.m. 2/22/13)
A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for the island of Maui, and will remain in effect until 3:45 p.m.
Forecasters from the National Weather Service say radar at 12:36 p.m. showed heavy rain located six miles south of Nahiku, or about 23 miles southeast of Kahului. The area of rain was nearly stationary.
Other locations in the warning include, but are not limited to Pauwela, Keanae, Hana and Haiku.
A Flood Warning means flooding is imminent or already 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: 11:09 a.m. 2/22/13)
The National Weather Service has extended a Flood Advisory for the Island of Maui until 2:15 p.m.
Forecasters say radar at 11 a.m. showed heavy rain near Kipahulu, or about 30 miles southeast of Kahului. The area of heavy rain was nearly stationary.
Other locations in the advisory include, but are not limited to: Nahiku, Keanae, Huelo, Hana and Hamoa.
(Update: 8:32 a.m. 2/22/13)
A flood advisory has been issued for Maui until 11:15 a.m.
At 8:18 a.m., radar showed heavy rain near Kipahulu or about 26 miles east of Kahului. Forecasters with the National Weather Service say the heavy rain was nearly stationary.
Other locations in the advisory include, but are not limited to: Nahiku, Keanae, Huelo, and Hana.
The public is advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches, and low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.
Motorists and pedestrians are reminded never to cross fast flowing or rising water in their vehicle or on foot.
(Update: 5:50 a.m. 2/22/13)
A flash flood watch remains in effect through late tonight for Maui and the Big Island.
Forecasters from the National Weather Service say streaming heavy showers will raise a high risk of flooding, mainly along windward slopes; while afternoon thunderstorms will threaten flooding along leeward slopes.
Authorities advise the public to avoid camping or hiking near streams and low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.
The NWS issued a reminded that it does not have to be raining heavily where you are for a flash flood to reach you.
The public is advised to monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action if a Flash Flood Warning is issued.
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