Maui severe weather updates for Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024: Maui Flood Warning canceled

QUICK LINKS:

• Maui severe weather updates for Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024
• Flash flooding prompts school closures on Maui
• Maui road closures due to severe weather
• Special Marine Warning with threat of thunderstorms and waterspouts
• Maui severe weather photos: Jan. 9 cold front impacts the state
• No immediate damages reported after Monday evening’s Tornado Warning on Molokaʻi

Maui Flood Warning canceled
1:54 p.m. Jan. 9, 2024

A Flash Flood Warning is canceled for the island of Maui as of 1:54 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. The National Weather Service reports that heavy rain on Maui has ended, and flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat.

A Flood Watch remains in effect until 6 p.m. for Kahoʻolawe, Lānaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, and the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.

Gusty Showers to impact Hawaiʻi Island through 2:30 p.m.
Update: 2:01 p.m., Jan. 9, 2024

The National Weather Service reports that gusty showers will impact Hawaiʻi Island through 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. At 1:59 p.m., Doppler radar was tracking a line of heavy showers with gusty winds over Nāʻālehu moving northeast at 40 mph. This feature will move toward Pāhala and Wood Valley through 2:30 p.m. Wind gusts up to 40 mph are in the forecast. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects,” according to the NWS. Locations impacted include: Nāʻālehu, Pāhala, Wood Valley, Kawa Flats, Punaluʻu Beach, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Discovery Harbour, and Waiohinu.

Maui Flash Flood Warning remains in place to 2:15 p.m.
Update: 12:44 p.m. Jan. 9, 2024

The National Weather Service reports the Flash Flood Warning for Maui remains in effect until 2:15 p.m. At 12:44 p.m., rain rates had diminished to one half inch per hour or less across southern Maui, though some flash flooding continues.

Emergency management reported continued road closures on South Kīhei Road at Kaonoulu Road and at Kūlanihākoʻi Street, as well as a road closure in South Maui from mile marker 16 of Piʻilani Highway in Kēōkea to mile marker 40 of Hāna Highway near Hāmoa.

The NWS advises the public to be alert to “flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads,
properties, and other low-lying areas.” Public road closures and landslides are possible, according to the NWS.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Kīhei, Kula, Kēōkea, Pukalani, ʻUlupalakua, Makawao, Wailea, Kaupō, Mākena, Kīpahulu, Māʻalaea, Hāna, Waikapū, Haleakalā National Park and Hamoā.

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

Wind Advisory for Haleakalā Summit until 6 a.m. Wednesday:
Udate: 8:21 a.m. Jan. 9, 2024

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Adivisory for the summit of Haleakalā through 6 a.m. Wednesday. The forecast calls for southwest winds of 40 to 50 mph with localized gusts to 60 mph.

“Winds this strong can make driving and walking difficult. The winds can forcefully open doors and damage hinges or slam doors shut, possibly causing injuries,” according to the NWS. The NWS asks the public to consider postponing travel to the summits until conditions improve. If you must travel to the summits, use extra caution walking and driving.

Winter Weather Advisory for Big Island Summits:
Update: 5:32 a.m. Jan. 9, 2024

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. Wednesday for the summits of the Big Island. The forecast calls for snow accumulations of up to 5 inches, with winds gusting as high as 60 mph. The NWS advises that travel in the area could be very difficult. “Blowing snow will
significantly reduce visibility at times, with periods of zero visibility,” according to the NWS.

Maui Weather Overview:

A cold front approaching the state continues to pull deep tropical moisture across the islands, according to the National Weather Service.

“Unstable showers will spread eastward across the state through Tuesday. Expect periods of heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms. Gusty winds and a potential for flooding remains a threat for all islands, with the strongest impacts expected along the front as it passes by,” according to the NWS.

The NWS reports that the leeward slopes off the Big Island will also see enhanced rainfall into Wednesday. A second front is forecast to deliver another round of wet weather from Thursday through Friday.

According to a Preliminary Local Storm Report issued by the National Weather Service, a gas station in Nānākuli on Oʻahu had its roof collapse under gusty conditions on Monday afternoon. The NWS reports that winds were estimated to be 40 mph at the time of the incident.

There were no immediate reports of damage following a Tornado Warning on Molokaʻi on Monday evening. The Tornado Warning was issued by the National Weather Service at 7:15 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, and ended at 7:45 p.m.

The NWS issued a forecast discussion saying convective bands will bring rain rates in excess of 2 inches per hour to Oʻahu through about 2 a.m., Molokaʻi through about 8 a.m., and eventually spreading to Maui as the night progresses.

Twenty-four-hour rainfall amounts as of 9 p.m. on Monday, already ranged from a general 3-6 inches on Oʻahu with a number of locations higher, including Wheeler Airfield at 7.07 inches, Poamoho at 9.50 inches, and Makaha Stream at 10.26 inches, according to the NWS.

The NWS advises: “Weather will improve across each island, in turn, after frontal passage tonight for Kauaʻi through Oʻahu, Molokaʻi on Tuesday, and Maui on Tuesday night. The Big Island will see lingering showers on Wednesday with improvement forecast from Wednesday night into Thursday. Another front is forecast to move into the islands from the northwest, with showers spreading down the island chain, from Thursday through Friday. Improving weather is forecast statewide from Friday night into next weekend.”

A Flood Watch remains in effect until 6 p.m. for the Big Island and Maui counties.

Previous posts:

Maui Flash Flood Warning extended to 2:15 p.m.
Update: 11:01 a.m. Jan. 9, 2024

The National Weather Service has extended the Flash Flood Warning for the island of Maui until 2:15 p.m. At 11:01 a.m., rain rates are slowly decreasing to one half to 1 inch per hour across Maui, though flash flooding is ongoing.

Emergency management reported continued road closures on South Kīhei Road at Kaonoulu Road and at Kūlanihākoʻi  Street, as well as a road closure in South Maui from mile marker 16 of Piʻilani Highway in Kēōkea to mile marker 40 of Hāna Highway near Hāmoa.

The NWS advises the public to be alert to “flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads,
properties, and other low-lying areas.” Public road closures and landslides are possible, according to the NWS.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Kīhei, Kula, Kēōkea, Pukalani, ʻUlupalakua, Makawao, Wailea, Kaupō, Mākena, Kīpahulu, Māʻalaea, Hāna, Waikapū, Haleakalā National Park and Hamoā.

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

Maui Flood Warning extended to 11:15 a.m.
Update: 8:04 a.m., Jan. 9, 2024

The National Weather Service has extended the Flash Flood Warning for Maui until 11:15 a.m. At 8:04 a.m., Moderate to locally heavy rain continues to fall across southern Maui at rates of 1 to 1.5 inches per hour.

Flash flooding is ongoing, and Emergency management reported road closures in South Maui. At 8:19 a.m., Maui police issued an update saying the roadway is now open in both directions at North Kīhei and South Kīhei roads. In addition to the multiple Department of Education public school closures, the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College announced it will be closed today as well.

The public is advised of flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas. The NWS says public road closures are possible in some areas and landslides are possible in steep terrain.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include… Kīhei, Kula, Kēōkea, Pukalani, ʻUlupalakua, Makawao, Wailea, Kaupō, Mākena, Kīpahulu, Māʻalaea, Hāna, Waikapū, Haleakalā National Park and Hamoā.

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

Maui Flood Warning continues through 8:15 a.m.
Update: 7:03 a.m., Jan. 9, 2024

A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 8:15 a.m. for Maui. At 7:03 a.m., Radar showed rain was continuing to fall at a rate of 1 to 1.5 inches per hour over southern and central Maui.

Maui County communications indicate that South Kihei Road remains closed at multiple locations, including at Kaonoulu Road. Flash flooding is ongoing.

The public is advised of flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas. Landslides are possible in steep terrain.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Kīhei, Kula, Kēōkea, Pukalani, ʻUlupalakua, Makawao, Wailea, Kaupō, Mākena, Kīpahulu, Māʻalaea, Hāna, Waikapū, Haleakalā National Park and Hamoā.

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

Maui Flood Warning until 8:15 a.m.
Update: 5:17 a.m., Jan. 9, 2024

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the island of Maui until 8:15 a.m. Radar indicated rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Flash flooding is ongoing.

The NWS advises of “flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas. Public road closures possible in some areas. Landslides are possible in steep terrain.”

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Kīhei, Kula, Kēōkea, Pukalani, ʻUlupalakua, Makawao, Wailea, Kaupō, Mākena, Kīpahulu, Māʻalaea, Hāna, Waikapū, Haleakalā National Park and Hamoā.

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

This warning may need to be extended beyond 8:15 a.m. if flooding persists.

Special Weather Statement: Gusty Showers for Maui until 5:30 a.m.
Update: 4:02 a.m., Jan. 9 2024

The National Weather Service reports that gusty showers will impact Maui through 5:30 a.m. At 4:01 am., Doppler radar was tracking gusty showers along a line extending from 7 miles west of Lahaina to 9 miles southwest of Mākena, moving north at 40 mph. Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are in the forecast.

“Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects,” according to the NWS.

Locations impacted include: Kahului, Kīhei, Lahaina, Honokōhau, Hāliʻimaile, Kīpahulu, Wailuku, Makawao, Pāʻia, Kēōkea, Olowalu, Wailea, Waiheʻe, Kāʻanapali, Nāpili-Honokōwai, Kula, Pukalani, Kapalua, Puʻunēnē, and Paʻuwela.

Maui Flood Warning until 5:45 a.m.
Update: 2:35 a.m., Jan. 9, 2024

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the island of Maui until 5:45 a.m. At 2:35 a.m., radar indicated heavy rain over Lahaina. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

The NWS advises that flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas. Public road closures are possible in some areas. Landslides are also possible in steep terrain.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Lahaina and Launiupoko.

Special Weather Statement: Gusty showers for Maui through 3 a.m.
Update: 1:30 a.m., Jan. 9, 2024

The National Weather Service reports that gusty showers will impact Maui through 3 a.m. At 1:29 a.m., Doppler radar was tracking gusty showers and isolated embedded thunderstorms along a line extending from near Waikapū, Maui to 29 miles southwest of Mānele, Lānaʻi. Movement was northeast at 10 mph.

Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are forecast. The NWS advises that gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include: Kahului, Kīhei, Lahaina, Honokōhau, Hāliʻimaile, Kīpahulu, Wailuku, Makawao, Pāʻia, Kēōkea, Olowalu, Wailea, Waiheʻe, Kāʻanapali, Nāpili-Honokōwai, Kula, Pukalani, Kapalua, Puʻunēnē and Paʻuwela.

Molokaʻi Flood Advisory Canceled;
Flood Advisories continue for Maui until 3:15 a.m., Lānaʻi until 2:45 a.m.
Update: 1:03 a.m., Jan. 9, 2024

The Flood Advisory that was in effect for Molokaʻi has been canceled. The National Weather Service reports that radar showed heavy rain had diminished over the island.

A Flood Advisory remains in effect for Maui until 3:15 a.m., and for Lānaʻi until 2:45 a.m. At 12:09 a.m., radar showed heavy rain over west Maui and the southern slopes of Haleakalā. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. At 11:31 p.m., radar showed heavy rain over central and east Lānaʻi with the heaviest rainfall falling between Lānaʻi City and Kaiolohia “Shipwreck” Beach. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

A Flood Watch remains in effect until 6 p.m. for the Big Island and Maui counties.

Special Weather Statement: Gusty showers for Maui through 1:30 a.m.
Update: 12:06 a.m., Jan. 9, 2024

Gusty showers will impact Maui through 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. At 12:05 a.m., Doppler radar was tracking gusty showers along a line extending from 5 miles east of Pūkoʻo, Molokaʻi to 20 miles south of Mānele, Lānaʻi.

Movement was northeast at 30 mph. Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are forecast.

The National Weather Service reports that gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.

Locations in the advisory include: Kahului, Kīhei, Lahaina, Kapalua, Honokōhau, Kahakuloa, Puʻunēnē, Waikapū, Wailuku, Waiehu, Māʻalaea, Waiheʻe, Kāʻanapali, Nāpili-Honokōwai, Olowalu, Kanahā Beach Park, Honolua Bay, Ukumehame Beach Park, and Launiupoko.

Maui Flood Advisory Until 3:15 a.m.
Update: 12:12 a.m., Jan. 9, 2024

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory until 3:15 a.m. for the island of Maui due to flooding caused by excessive rainfall.

At 12:09 a.m., radar showed heavy rain over west Maui and the southern slopes of Haleakalā. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

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

Lānaʻi Flood Advisory Until 2:45 a.m.
Update: 11:33 p.m., Jan. 8, 2024

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory until 2:45 a.m. for the island of Lānaʻi due to flooding caused by excessive rainfall.

At 11:31 p.m., radar showed heavy rain over central and east Lānaʻi with the heaviest rainfall falling between Lānaʻi City and Kaiolohia “Shipwreck” Beach. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

Some locations that will experience flooding include: Lānaʻi City, Mānele and Lānaʻi Airport, according to the NWS.

Molokaʻi Flood Advisory until 2:30 a.m.
Update: 11:21 p.m., Jan. 8, 2024

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory until 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 for the island of Molokaʻi.

At 11:17 p.m. on Monday evening, radar showed a large band of heavy rain continues to move across the island of Molokaʻi. Heavy rainfall was mainly over the eastern end of the Molokaʻi near Kaunakakai and Pūkoʻo. Heavy rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

*Maui Now’s Wendy Osher contributed to this report.