PHOTOS: MauiNOW Severe Weather Update: Jan. 13-14, 2011

By Wendy Osher

UPDATE FRIDAY 5:30 a.m. 1/14/11:

Flooding South Kihei Rd just before North Kihei Rd intersection. Photo by South Maui Councilman, Don Couch.

All public schools on Maui are OPEN today, according to the Department of Education.

The only road advisory that we have right now is South Kihei Road that remains closed at various locations listed below:

Both North and South bound lanes are closed in the following areas: Between the area South of Nohokai (fronting Longs) and Kauhaa St.; Between the area of Namauu St and Kulani Hakoi St.; Between the area of Kaonoulu St and Wailana St (fronting Maui Lu Resort)… access to the Maui Lu Resort and for area residents will be through Kenolio Rd just South of South Pointe.; The North bound lane will be open between the Kihei Bay Vista and Kauhale Makai Condos on South Kihei Rd.

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UPDATE THURSDAY, January 13, 2011:

Road Advisory Update 7:40 p.m. 1/13/11: 7:40 p.m. South Kihei Rd, both North and South bound lanes are closed in the following areas: Between the area South of Nohokai (fronting Longs) and Kauhaa St.; Between the area of Namauu St and Kulani Hakoi St.; Between the area of Kaonoulu St and Wailana St (fronting Maui Lu Resort)… access to the Maui Lu Resort and for area residents will be through Kenolio Rd just South of South Pointe.; The North bound lane will be open between the Kihei Bay Vista and Kauhale Makai Condos on South Kihei Rd.As of 9:55 a.m., Honoapiilani Highway remains OPEN

Haouli Rd in Maalaea. Photo by Dept. of Public Works.

12:30 p.m.: Hana Highway at Baldwin Avenue in Paia is OPEN

Engineers have installed steel plates to reinforce a hole on Hauoli Street but are recommending that it be limited to vehicles 10,000 lbs or less. Haouli is OPEN. It was closed earlier today after the road partially collapsed under the weight of a county vehicle.

(Update 9:55 a.m. 1/13/11 by Wendy Osher)

HONOAPIILANI HWY OPEN 9:55 a.m.

Approaching the Pali Tunnel on the Honoapiilani Highway shortly after the road reopened at 10 a.m. Photo by Edna Keahi.

The Honoapiilani Highway is now OPEN in both directions. Motorists are asked to drive with extreme caution because of debris that remains along the shoulder of the road. The road was initially closed at 5:15 this morning because of a multiple rock and land slides stretching from Maaleaa to Launiupoko. Again, the Honoapiilani Highway is now open as of 9:55 a.m.

Roberts Hawaii to resume the Lahaina Islander bus service beginning at 10:30AM from the Queen Kaahumanu Center.

(Update: 9:20 a.m. 1/13/11)

Maui Electric Company Power Update (9:20 a.m.)

At this time (9:20 a.m.) there is a small area in Paia without power. Crews are on site however access and flooding in the area is hampering repair efforts.

Customers in Kula, specifically in the areas of Waiakoa Road and Polipoli Road, were brought back on-line at 9:13 p.m. last night.

At 3:48 a.m., parts of Wailuku town lost power for about an hour. The cause is undetermined at this time, but likely to be weather-related.

At 5:46 a.m., flooding cut off power to 1000 customers in Kihei. Power was restored at approximately 6:15 a.m.

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  Kalama Park flooding. Photo by MPD Sgt. Roger Duchane, Kihei Patrol.

Maui Road Closure UPDATE 9 a.m.:

9:10 a.m.: Hauoli Road in Maalaea was closed today after the raod partially collapsed under the weight of a county vehicle. Engineers are conducting an inspection and will release an assessment later today.

8:30 a.m.: Maui Police are monitoring traffic on Hana Highway at Baldwin Avenue. The area is open to local traffic only. Baldwin Avenue is flooding.

9:10 a.m.: South Kihei Road is closed in multiple locations from the Old Suda Store all the way to Wailea. The latest report included a closure between Suda Store and Piikea Street due to flooding. Earlier this morning, police said S.Kihei Rd. was closed between N. Kihei Rd. to Welekahao. The worst of the flooding is in the Kalama Park area. Police are asking motorists to avoid South Kihei road all-together saying it is impassable.

7:24 a.m.: Honoapiilani Highway closure is now extended from Maalaea all the way to Launiopoko Park, due to flooding and landslides. The initial closure went into effect at around 5:15 this morning.

7:07 a.m.: Hana Highway – Paia bound lane is closed because of a MECO pole that is dangerously leaning towards the highway. Traffic is alternating using the Kahului-bound lane. MECO crews are on scene.

7:04 a.m.: N. Kihei Road is blocked by a large tree that has fallen across the roadway. Traffic is alternating. Awaiting state highway crews for removal.

6:57 a.m.: Haoli Road in Maalaea is closed due to flooding. (According to County of Maui)

8:15 a.m. Halama Street at Welakahao is closed due to flooding. (According to County of Maui)

8:15 a.m. Alamaha Street, Papa Ave. at Kahiki, Ohaa at Maalo and Ohaa at Aleo are closed due to flooding. (According to County of Maui)

6:30 a.m.: Hana Hwy is OPEN in both directions–it was partially closed earlier this morning in the Maliko Gulch area.

Park Closures: The following parks are closed due to the inclement weather: Kepaniwai, Waiehu golfCourse, Kanaha Beach park, and Kamaole Beach Park II. All Molokai Parks are also closed. This is in addition to the State closure of the Kula Forest Reserve, Polipoli Springs Park and the temporary access closures in effect at Haleakala National Park.

Maui School UPDATE:

The UHMC campus is open as of 8:25 a.m., however, three large lecture classrooms in the science building are flooded—classes in those rooms only are canceled for today.

As of 7:20 a.m., there are five Maui DOE School closures they are the following: Kihei Public Charter School, Lokelani Intermediate school, Kihei Elementary, Kamalii Elementary, and Kula Elementary. All other Maui Public Schools are OPEN.

Maui Prep Academy in West Maui is CLOSED as well as Anuenue Preschool.

The Doris Todd Christian School now CLOSED due to flooding on Baldwin Avenue.

Hale o Keiki Montessori School in Kihei is CLOSED.

Children of the Rainbow Preschool in Lahaina is CLOSED due to weather and staff unable to get to school.

Kahului Hongwanji Preschool is CLOSED due to flooding.

Montessori School in Makawao is CLOSED due to weather.

Kamehameha Schools Maui Pukalani Campus remains OPEN, but Lahaina students are excused because of the Pali closure.

Three Maui Shelters Open: Shelters have been established at the Kihei Community Center and the Lahaina Civic Center. Both locations are being staffed by the American Red Cross for residents who need to evacuate their homes due to severe flooding. A third shelter is being opened by Maui Economic Opportunity at the Eddie Tam Gym.

Trash Pickup schedule: In some neighborhoods it is being reported that refuse containers have been seen floating away. The County requests that residents collect their bins and set them out tomorrow morning by 5:00 AM. The County anticipates picking up today’s missed routes tomorrow.

Maui Flood WARNING remains in effect til 9 a.m. 1/13/11 :

A flash flood WARNING remains in effect for the island of Maui until 9 a.m. At 6:50 a.m., thunderstorms and heavy rain continue to fall over the island of Maui. The heaviest rain was falling over the Upcountry area and along the coast from Kihei to Hana and Keanae.

Maui SPECIAL MARINE WARNING: At 8:11 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a Special marine WARNING for the Alenuihaha Channel until 9:15 a.m. At 8:10 a.m., radar showed a line of thunderstorms producing strong winds blowing at 34 knots or greater lcoated about 31 nautical miles southwest of Ulupalakua and moving southeast at 15 knots. Mariners can expect gusty winds, locally higher seas, dangerous lightning, and reduced visibility in heavy rain. Seek safe harbor immediately, until the storm passes.

Landfill Closures: Central Maui Landfill and EKO Compost are closed due to the inclement weather. This is in addition to refuse collection today on Maui, which is postponed to tomorrow or Saturday. The satellite landfills in Hana, on Molokai, and Lanai, and the Olowalu Transfer Station are closed.

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(Update: 7:07 a.m. 1/13/11)

Maui Road Closure UPDATE 7:07 a.m.:

7:07 a.m.: Hana Highway – Paia bound lane is closed because of a MECO pole that is dangerously leaning towards the highway. Traffic is alternating using the Kahului-bound lane. MECO crews are on scene.

7:04 a.m.: N. Kihei Road is blocked by a large tree that has fallen across the roadway. Traffic is alternating. Awaiting state highway crews for removal.

6:57 a.m.: Haoli Road in Maalaea is closed due to flooding.

6:18 a.m.: South Kihei Road is closed between North Kihei Rd and Welekahao Rd due to flooding.

5:17 a.m.: Honoapiilani Hwy is closed between Maalaea and Ukumehame due to a rock slide in the area.

6:30 a.m.: Hana Hwy is OPEN in both directions–it was partially closed earlier this morning in the Maliko Gulch area.

(Update: 6:45 a.m. 1/13/11)

Maui Shelter Opening: A Shelter will be set up at the Kihei Community Center at 7:15 a.m. by the American Red Cross for residents who need to evacuate their homes due to severe flooding.

Maui School UPDATE:

As of 6:45 a.m., there are four Maui DOE School closures they are the following: Lokelani Intermediate school, Kihei Elementary, Kamalii Elementary, and Kula Elementary. All other Maui Public Schools are OPEN.

The Doris Todd Christian School is Paia is OPEN, but will open late until the Flood Warning has passed. Kamehameha Schools Maui Pukalani Campus remains OPEN, but Lahaina students are excused because of the Pali closure.

(Update: 6:30 a.m. 1/13/11)

Maui Road Advisory Update: As of 6:18 a.m., South Kihei Road is closed between North Kihei Rd and Welekahao Rd due to flooding.

As of 5:17 a.m., Honoapiilani Hwy is closed between Maalaea and Ukumehame due to a rock slide in the area.

As of 6:30 a.m., Hana Hwy is open in both directions–it was partially closed earlier this morning in the Maliko Gulch area.

(Update: 6:27 a.m. 1/13/11)

Maui School UPDATE: The Doris Todd Christian School is Paia is OPEN, but will open late until the Flood Warning has passed. Kamehameha Schools Maui Pukalani Campus remains OPEN, but Lahaina students are excused because of the Pali closure. As of 4:30 a.m., all Maui Public Schools remain OPEN.

(Update: 6:08 a.m. 1/13/11)

Maui Flash Flood WARNING extended to 9 a.m.:

The Flash Flood WARNING for Maui has been extended to 9 a.m. At 5:57 a.m., radar showed heavy rain moving over Maui from the West, with additional heavy showers and thunderstorms developing to the west of the island. Maui Civil Defense reports that the Honoapiilani Highway is closed between Maalaea and Olowalu due to a rockslide. Hana Highway is partially closed at Maliko Gulch, with alternating traffic using the west-bound lane.

(Update: 5:30 a.m. 1/13/11)

Maui Road Closures as of 5:29 a.m. 1/13/11:

As of 5:29 a.m., Hana Hwy is closed in the east bound direction at Maliko Gulch. Traffic is being alternated using the west-bound lane.

As of 5:17 a.m., Honoapiilani Hwy is closed between Maalaea and Ukumehame due to a rock slide in the area.

(Update: 4:30 a.m. 1/13/11)

Maui Schools DOE Update: As of 4:30 a.m., all Maui Schools remain OPEN.

(Update: 3:50 a.m. 1/13/11)

Maui Flood WARNING until 6:45 a.m.:

A Flash Flood WARNING is in effect for the island of Maui until 6:45 a.m. At 3:35 a.m., radar showed very heavy rain over a large portion of Maui, including West Maui from Kahakuloa to Napili to Lahaina. Heavy showers were also affecting south Maui and portions of windward Maui. Additional heavy showers and thunderstorms were approaching Maui from the west and south. Locations in the advisory include, but are not limited to: Paia, Spreckelsville, Waiehu, Kapalua, Kaanapali, Lahaina, Olowalu, Pukalani, Kihei, and Wailea.

Runoff from this storm may also cause rock and mudslides in steep terrain. This warning may need to be extended beyond 6:45 a.m. if heavy rain persists.

A flash flood warning means flash flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads and low lying areas. The public should not attempt to cross fast flowing or rising water in their vehicle or on foot.

(Posed by Wendy Osher, information courtesy National Weather Service)

(Update: 12:55 a.m. 1/13/11)

Molokai Flood WARNING until 3:45 a.m.:

1/13/11 Satellite imagery Courtesy National Weather Service. Click image to enlarge.

The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood WARNING for Molokai until 3:45 a.m. At 12:44 a.m., radar showed heavy rain moving over west Molokai from the Southwest. Heavy rain will spread eastward over the next several hours.

A flash flood warning means flash flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads and low-lying areas. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown.

(A message brought to you by the National Weather Service, Posted by Wendy Osher)

(Update: 12:45 a.m. 1/13/11)

Molokai Severe Thunderstorm WARNING until 1:15 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Molokai until 1:15 a.m.

At 12:39 a.m., radar showed a severe thunderstorm capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. The storm was located 8 miles southwest of Kepuhi, or 36 miles southeast of Honolulu, and was moving to the east at 30 mph.

* THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WILL BE NEAR…
MAUNALOA AT 1255 AM HST
HOOLEHUA AT 115 AM HST
KUALAPUU AT 115 AM HST
6 MILES WEST OF KALAUPAPA AT 115 AM HST

This is a dangerous storm. If you are in its path, prepare immediately for damaging winds, and deadly cloud to ground lightning. People outside should move to shelter, preferably inside a strong building, but away from windows.

(Update: 12:01 a.m. 1/13/11)

Molokai Flood ADVISORY in effect until 2:30 a.m. 1/13/11:

A Flash Flood ADVISORY was issued for the island of Molokai until 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2011. According to the National Weather Service, radar at 11:21 p.m. showed moderate to heavy rain moving over Molokai from the southwest and west. Showers are increasing to the west and south of Molokai and rain is expected to increase in both coverage and intensity over the next couple of hours.

Maui Flood ADVISORY extended to 12:15 a.m. 1/13/11:

The Flood ADVISORY for Maui has been extended to 12:15 a.m. on Thursday 1/13/11. At 9:15 p.m., radar showed heavy showers moving over Maui’s Central Valley and over south Maui, with the heaviest rain from Wailea to Olowalu. These heavy showers will move rapidly toward the northeast . After this batch of heavy showers moves through, radar shows that heavy showers will ease, but ponding of water and runoff will continue. Areas most affected by this advisory include Kihei, Maalaea, Olowalu, Waikapu, Kahului, Puunene, Makawao, Pukalani and Kula.

(Information courtesy National Weather Service, posted by Wendy Osher)