Mayor Urges Residents to Stay Off Roads Amid Storm Impacts

The County of Maui is urging residents and visitors to stay at home and off of roads and highways while a heavy rainstorm affects the islands today with flooding and landslides in some areas.

“I ask everyone to stay home this evening unless travel is necessary for essential purposes,” said Mayor Michael Victorino.

At Milemarker 35 on Honoapiʻilani Highway in Honokōhau, a landslide blocked both lanes of the highway with “washing machine-sized boulders,” according to the Maui Police Department.

On Hāna Highway near the Waianu fruit stand, one lane of traffic is blocked by a landslide. A fallen tree is blocking both lanes of the highway near the Keʻanae Arboretum.

A traffic light is reported in a flashing-red mode at the intersection of Waiʻale Road and Kuikahi Drive in Wailuku.

Flooding conditions have affected various parts of the island throughout the day.

The National Weather Service has forecast a heavy rain event for Maui County, lasting into tomorrow. The Maui Emergency Management Agency says flash flooding will likely occur in areas along Hāna Highway, windward areas, and East Molokaʻi. 

Rain was expected to be heaviest in the late afternoon and early evening, with over 10 inches of rain forecast along with isolated thunderstorms.

The public can expect flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas. The Emergency Management advisory cautions the public of potential road closures and possible landslides in areas of steep terrain.