Flood WARNING for Maui Until 12:15 a.m., Molokaʻi Until 12:30 a.m.

*Monday’s weather updates are available in a new post here.

Issued at 12:01 a.m., Monday, Dec. 6, 2021

The National Weather Service has extended the Flash Flood Warning for the island of Maui until 3:15 a.m. HST.

At 12:01 a.m., radar showed that heavy rain had eased in coverage and intensity over the island of Maui, with a few fast-moving heavy showers producing rain rates near 1 inch per hour. However, significant flooding from earlier heavy rain is ongoing, according to the NWS.

All of the island of Maui is under the warning, but the NWS advises that flash flooding is especially possible for Wailea and Mākena.

As a precaution, the public is advised to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are currently dry. “Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown,” the NWS advises.

Maui weather updates: https://bit.ly/31vwmfR
Road advisories: https://bit.ly/3pySo9H
Power updates: https://bit.ly/3lCJJ4M

Maui Flood Warning Extended to 12:15 a.m., Dec. 6, 2021

Issued at 9:16 p.m.

The Flood Warning for Maui has been extended to 12:15 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021.

At 9:16 p.m, radar showed heavy rain over all of Maui.

The Maui Emergency Management Agency reports significant flooding in the Kīhei area near Maui Meadows subdivision, where several homes have been flooded, and cars have been washed away. Additional flooding impacts are being reported in some upslope communities.

The National Weather Service reminds the pubic that significant and life threatening flooding is occurring in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas.

Multiple public road closures are expected, as well as landslides in steep terrain.

The National Weather Service issued an updated area synopsis shortly after 9 p.m. that states:

“A Kona Low will linger just west of Kauaʻi this evening with a slow westward drift lasting through Wednesday. A large band of heavy rain associated with this low will also track slowly westward across the state. Expect widespread heavy rainfall with this system, especially under the large heavy rain band, capable of producing catastrophic flooding, and strong southwest winds through Wednesday. The heaviest rainfall currently over Hawaiʻi and Maui Counties this evening will slowly drift westward into Oʻahu later tonight, and into Kauaʻi on Monday. Improving weather conditions will start over the eastern side of the state by late Tuesday with drier air slowly spreading into the western islands on Wednesday. More typical trade wind weather will return from late Wednesday onward.”

Molokaʻi Flood Warning Until 12:30 a.m., Dec. 6

Issued at 9:20 p.m. 12.5.21

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the island of Molokaʻi until 12:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021.

At 9:20 p.m. HST, radar showed heavy rain falling moving over Molokaʻi from the south, with rain rates of 1-2 inches per hour. Water in streams and rivers remains high, with additional rain approaching form the south.

The public is reminded to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are currently dry. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. “Turn around, don’t drown,” the NWS advises.

Lānaʻi Flood Advisory Until 11:30 p.m.

Update: 11:23 p.m.

The Flood Advisory for Lānaʻi will expire at 11:30 p.m. The NWS reports that weather radar shows that rain is gradually easing, and shower coverage upstream of the islands is diminishing, therefore, the Flood Advisory has been canceled. Heavy rain may redevelop later, and a Flood Watch remains in effect.

Issued at 8:05 p.m.

A Flood Advisory has been issued for the island of Lānaʻi until 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021.

At 8:05 p.m. HST, radar indicated heavy rain moving over the island of Lānaʻi from the south, with rain rates of 1-2 inches per hour. Rainfall is likely to continue for the next several hours.

The public is advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding. A Flood Watch is also in effect for Maui County through Tuesday afternoon. This advisory may need to be extended beyond 11:30 p.m. HST if flooding persists.

Maui Flood Warning Extended to 9:30 p.m.

Issued at 6:25 p.m.

The National Weather Service has extended the Flash Flood Warning for the island of Maui until 9:30 p.m.

At 6:25 p.m. HST, radar showed rain continuing to move over the slopes of Haleakalā from the south. Rain rates of 2-3 inches per hour were occurring over the Kaupō Gap area, and 1-2 inches per hour near ʻOheʻo Gulch. Heavy rainfall will also be moving over central and west Maui during the next several hours.

The NWS advises the public to “be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are currently dry. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown.”

Molokaʻi Flood Warning Until 9:15 p.m.

Issued at 6:22 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the island of Molokaʻi in Maui County until 9:15 p.m. HST.

At 6:22 p.m. HST, radar indicates heavy rain falling moving over Molokaʻi from the south, with rain rates of 1-2 inches per hour. Debris and mud blocking portions of Kamehameha Highway have made the roadway impassable, and water levels in streams and rivers continue to rise.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Kualapuʻu, Kaunakakai, Hoʻolehua, Kalaupapa National Park, Kawela, Kamalo, Maunaloa, ʻUalapuʻe, Pūkoʻo, Kepuhi, Hālawa Valley and Molokaʻi Airport.

Big Island Flood Warning Until 9:15 p.m.

Issued at 6:04 p.m.

The Flood Warning for Hawaiʻi Island has been extended to 9:15 p.m.

At 6:04 p.m., radar showed heavy rain continuing over the slopes of the Kaʻū and Puna District.

“Peak radar rainfall estimates of 2-3 inches per hour have been occurring near Wood Valley. Rainfall is expected to continue well into the nighttime hours,” according to the NWS forecast.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Volcano, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Glenwood, Wood Valley, Mountain View, Pāhala, Hawaiian Acres, Pōhakuloa Training Area, Punaluʻu Beach, Keaʻau, Orchidlands Estates, Kawa Flats, Papaikou, Pāhoa, Pepeʻekeo, Naʻalehu and Honomū.

The NWS advises the public to “be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are currently dry. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown.”

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Maui Flood Warning Until 6:30 p.m.

Issued at 4:27 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the island of Maui until 6:30 p.m.

At 4:27 p.m., radar showed rainfall increasing over the slopes of Haleakalā, with higher rain rates of of 2-3 inches per hour approaching Maui from the south.

The NWS says rainfall is expected to spread westward over the next several hours and affect central and west Maui.

According to the NWS forecast, flooding may close Piʻilani Highway at low water crossings such as at Kalepa Gulch and at Hawelewele Gulch near Mile Marker 31.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Kahului, Kīhei, Lahaina, Kula, Pukalani, Makawao, Kēōkea, Hāliʻimaile, Pāʻia, Puʻunēnē, Haʻikū-Paʻuwela, Paʻuwela, Wailea, Māʻalaea, Huelo, ʻUlupalakua, Mākena, Waikapū, Wailuku and Waiehu.

As a precaution, the public is advised to be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are currently dry. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. The NWS advises: “Turn around, don’t drown.”

This warning may need to be extended beyond 630 PM HST if flooding persists. This Flash Flood Warning replaces the previously issued Flood Advisory that was in effect for The island of Maui in Maui County.

Molokaʻi Flood Advisory Until 6:15 p.m.

Issued at 3:18 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisor for the island of Molokaʻi until 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021.

At 3:14 p.m. HST, radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain over Molokaʻi with the highest rates of 1-2 inches per hour between Kaunakakai and Kamalo. The area of rainfall is moving northward and rainfall over the island should ease within the next 2 to 3 hours.

This advisory includes the entire island of Molokaʻi. The public is reminded to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding.

Maui Flood Advisory Until 6:30 p.m.

Issued at 3:23 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for the island of Maui until 6:30 p.m.

At 3:18 p.m. HST, radar indicated that moderate to heavy rainfall continues to move over Maui from the south. Rain rates of about 1 inch per hour were occurring over the south- facing slopes of Haleakalā. Rainfall will continue to move over Maui from the south over the next several hours.

A Flood Watch is also in effect for Maui County through Tuesday afternoon.

Maui Flood Advisory Until 3:30 p.m.

Issued at 12:24 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued a Flood Advisory for the island of Maui until 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021.

At 12:19 p.m., radar showed heavy rain over the leeward slopes of the West Maui Mountains. The most intense rainfall was over the area from Lahaina to Nāpili with rates of 1-2 inches per hour.

Additional rainfall was moving toward Maui from the south and should reach the island within the next hour.

This advisory includes the entire island of Maui, and may need to be extended if heavy rain persists.

Lānaʻi Flood Advisory Until 3 p.m.

Update: 2:48 p.m.

Weather radar shows that the heavy rain has diminished. Therefore, the Flood Advisory for the island of Lānaʻi has been cancelled.

Issued at 11:51 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for the island of Lānaʻi until 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021.

At 11:47 a.m., radar showed heavy rain over the eastern portion of the island, with rain falling at a rate of 1-2 inches per hour over the Mānele Bay Area.

The area of rainfall will spread over the rest of Lānaʻi over the next hour. This advisory includes the entire island of Lānaʻi.

The NWS forecast calls for minor flooding on roads, poor drainage areas, and in streams.

Flood Advisory Through Tuesday Afternoon for Entire State

There is also a flood watch in effect for the entire state through Tuesday afternoon.

The NWS reports that periods of extremely heavy rainfall are expected as a Kona Low develops west of Kauaʻi, and pulls deep moisture over the islands.

“A slow-moving band of heavy rain is expected to move over the Big Island and Maui County today, spreading to Oʻahu and Kauaʻi County tonight and Monday. Widespread rainfall total amounts of 10 to 15 inches are anticipated, with isolated areas of 20 to 25 inches possible,” according to the NWS.

Gov. David Ige and Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) officials are coordinating with county and federal partners to prepare for and respond to impacts from the weather system currently moving across the state.

“This storm has the potential to cause major flooding, landslides, road closures and damage to homes. Now is the time to make sure you have an emergency plan in place and supplies ready should you need to move away from rising water. When you are ready, please make sure that your neighbors have what they need, as well. Our community is always stronger when we work together to ensure that we’re all protected,” said Gov. David Ige.

There is also a Blizzard Warning in effect for the summits of the Big Island until 6 a.m. on Monday, with additional snow accumulations of up to 8 inches and winds gusting as high as 125 mph, according to the NWS.

HI-EMA is monitoring the effects of the weather and coordinating with county, state, federal, and private sector partners to assist as needed. The agency provided the following tips for the public:

Floods are one of the most common hazards in Hawai’i

• During heavy rains, or human-made structure failures such as a dam breach, flash flooding can occur quickly and without warning.
• Be prepared to evacuate and move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to act.
• Do not cross fast-flowing water in your vehicle or on foot – Turn around, do not drown!
• Contact your property/casualty agent or broker about flood insurance, which is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Make a Plan

• Plan escape routes – ensure all family members know where to go and how to get out.
• Meeting place – choose a physical location to meet if communication between family members is down.
• Family communication – identify a family member who lives out-of-state who everyone can notify when they are safe.

Pack a 14-day ‘Go-Kit’ for your family

• Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
• 1 gallon of water per person per day
• Non-perishable foods
• Face coverings, gloves, and sanitizer
• First aid kit
• Battery-powered or crank-powered radio
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Manual can opener
• Hygiene supplies
• Whistle
• Important documents