Cold front to stall over Maui; Flood Watch and Wind Warning through Monday afternoon

Flood Watch in effect through Monday afternoon

A Flood Watch is in effect for the entire state through Monday afternoon.

The National Weather Service reports that a front will stall near Maui County through the weekend, allowing deep tropical moisture to pool over the island chain. This in combination with a disturbance aloft moving over the state, will bring the potential for heavy rainfall, a few thunderstorms and flash flooding beginning this afternoon and continuing through Monday afternoon. The greatest risk for flash flooding is expected in windward areas.

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.

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

High Wind Warning from 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for Kauaʻi, Mauʻi, Molokaʻi, Niʻihau, Oʻahu, and portions of Hawaiʻi Island. The Warning is in effect from 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday.

The forecast calls for east winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph in the morning strengthening to 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph by late afternoon into the evening.

Areas most at risk include higher terrain, passes, and areas immediately south and west of mountains. Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines and damage roofs. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

Strong winds may lead to property damage. Hazardous driving conditions due to powerful cross winds will pose a serious risk for drivers, especially for light weight and high profile vehicles. Loose outdoor items should be brought inside or secured properly.

A High Wind Warning means that winds are expected to be at least 40 mph, with gusts over 60 mph. Stay away from downed power lines.

Winter Storm Warning from 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Summits of the Big Island from 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday. Heavy snow is expected. Total snow accumulations are forecast to be 10-16 inches. Southerly winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility at times, with periods of zero visibility.

Previous post:
Cold front to stall over Maui later today; Flood Watch in effect through Monday afternoon

A cold front will move into Molokaʻi this morning, then stall near Maui later today, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

“This frontal boundary combined with increasing moisture and a disturbance aloft, will bring the potential for heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and a few rumbles of thunder through Monday,” the NWS reports. “Breezy north to northeasterly winds will develop behind the front, with the trades then becoming very windy Sunday into Monday as strong high pressure builds north of the state.”

Conditions will gradually improve by mid to late next week, though breezy and showery trade wind weather is expected to persist, according to the NWS.

The short term focus calls for heavy rain and damaging wind potential over the weekend into early next week.

As a result, a Flood Watch remains in effect from this afternoon through Monday afternoon. In addition to the flooding threat, very windy conditions are forecast to develop this weekend and continue through early next week, as a strong area of high pressure builds north of the islands.