Maui weather updates for Sunday: Flood Watch continues through Monday afternoon

Molokaʻi Flood Advisory until 8:30 p.m.
Update: 5:29 p.m., 12:04 p.m., 9 a.m., 6:17 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023

The National Weather Service has extended a Flood Advisory for the island of Molokaʻi until 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29.

At 5:25 p.m., radar showed heavy fast moving rain focused over eastern Molokaʻi between Puʻu Aliʻi and Kamalo. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Additional heavy rainfall is expected to move onshore in the next several hours.

At 12:02 p.m., radar showed heavy showers had subsided over Molokaʻi. The NWS reports that runoff levels will remain elevated for several more hours, and heavy showers from the northeast are expected to redevelop over the next several hours. Rain rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour can be expected from this rainfall.

At 8:57 a.m., radar showed moderate to heavy rainfall will continue to move over Molokaʻi from the northeast over the next several hours, according to the NWS. Rain rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour can be expected from this rainfall.

At 6:12 a.m., radar showed heavy rain over central Molokaʻi falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. “Additional heavy rainfall is expected to move onshore in the next several hours,” according to the NWS.

Locations that will experience flooding include: Kualapuʻu, Kaunakakai, Hoʻolehua, Kalaupapa National Park, Kawela, Kamalo, ʻUalapuʻe, Pūkoʻo, Hālawa Valley and Molokaʻi Airport.

Maui Flood Watch through Monday afternoon
Posted: 3:06 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Maui County until Monday afternoon.

Forecasters with the NWS say flood prone roads and other low-lying areas may be closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams. Urban areas may receive more significant flooding and property damage due to rapid runoff. Landslides could lead to road closures, especially along the Hāna Highway.

According to the NWS, a surface trough will continue to bring heavy showers and thunderstorms over Maui County. Flooding has already affected some areas in Maui County and any additional rainfall will quickly flood low-lying areas, according to forecasters.

The public is advised to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.