Threat of Flooding for Smaller Islands Through 6 p.m., Feb. 4

Satellite imagery, Feb. 3, 2014, 6:30 a.m. courtesy NOAA/NWS.

By Wendy Osher

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for Maui County until 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

NWS forecasters say “lingering moisture” and an “unstable air mass” will bring locally heavy showers and thunderstorms to the smaller islands from Niʻihau to Maui through Tuesday.

“A developing upper level trough northwest of the islands will result in the air mass becoming more unstable across the western islands with ample lingering moisture persisting across the state,” the NWS forecast stated.

The public is advised to avoid camping or hiking near streams and low-lying areas prone to flooding.  Motorists and pedestrians are advised not to cross fast flowing or rising water in their vehicle or on foot.

Over the last 24 hours ending at 5 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 3, 2014, a gauge at the Kaupō Gap on Maui recorded 2.3 inches of rain.

The Hawaiʻi rainfall summary generated by the National Weather Service also recorded 0.77 inches of rain at the Kula-1 rain gauge, 0.63 inches at Puʻu Kukui, and 0.40 inches at ʻUlupalakua.