Weakening Gilma may bring rain to windward Maui

Gilma was downgraded to a tropical depression early this morning, but the system still has the potential for brining heavy rain to the islands tonight through Saturday – specifically over windward Maui and Hawaiʻi Island districts, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

The NWS reports that while localized flooding is possible, widespread flooding is not expected.

As of 11 a.m., Tropical Depression Gilma had maximum sustained winds of 35 miles per hour, and was located about 220 miles east of Hilo. The system was moving WNW at 12 mph. A turn to the WNW is expected on Friday.

The Maui Emergency Management Agency continues to monitor Gilma, which is forecast to become a post-tropical (no thunderstorms) system near the state tonight and is expected to dissipate near Kauaʻi on Saturday. 

Also to the east of the state, remnants of Hector dissipated overnight and should bring warm dew-point temperatures, higher humidity and an increase of showers Sunday, according to NWS. High dew points will make temperatures feel warmer than normal.

MEMA encourages people to stay informed and be prepared for potential storms as Hawaiʻi’s Hurricane Season lasts through Nov. 30.

“Recent Hurricane Hone, and now Gilma and Hector systems, are important reminders to prepare and be ready for when storms hit,” MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said. “We are not out of the woods when it comes to hurricane season, and now is the time to be proactive by gathering an emergency kit, creating a plan and getting connected to official information.” 

For more information on emergency preparedness and to sign up for alerts from MEMA, visit https://www.mauicounty.gov/MEMA. Sign up for Maui Police Department Road Closure notifications at bit.ly/MauiRoadClosure.