Maui Flood Warning Canceled; Flash Flooding Observed in Maui Meadows

Maui Flood Warning Canceled; Rain Ends as Abruptly as it Began

Flash flooding was observed in a stream along the Maui Meadows subdivision at around 3:35 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. The area is still recovering from storm damage that occurred during heavy rains last week.

Residents sent Maui Now images of impacts to nearby roads and properties.

At 3:45 p.m., the National Weather Service canceled the Flash Flood Warning that was in effect for Maui saying “heavy rain across the West Maui Mountains and the leeward Haleakalā ended as abruptly as it began.”

At around 4:15 p.m., witnesses say they could still see the water coming down in the form of a stream, into the Maui Meadows subdivision from the Upcountry area.

Maui Flood WARNING Until 5:45 p.m.

Update: 2:39 p.m., Friday, Dec. 17, 2021

The National Weather Service replaced the previously issued Flood Advisory with a Flood Warning for the island of Maui, now in effect until 5:45 p.m.

At 2:39 p.m., radar showed heavy rain over west Haleakalā slopes and across the West Maui Mountains. The NWS reports that additional showers are beginning to develop across other areas on Maui. Rain was falling at a rate of 3-4 inches per hour in the wettest locations.

“Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” according to the NWS update issued at 2:39 p.m.

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.

This warning may need to be extended beyond 5:45 p.m. if flooding persists.

Previous Post:

2:10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 17 2021

A Flood Advisory has been issued for the island of Maui until 5:15 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021.

The National Weather Service says that as of 2:07 p.m., radar showed heavy rain over the leeward Haleakakā slopes and developing across the West Maui Mountains. Rain was falling at a rate of 2-3 inches per hour in the wettest locations, according to the NWS.

The public is reminded to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding.

This advisory may need to be extended beyond 5:15 p.m. if flooding persists.