Today’s Weather Forecast, Potential Lester Weather Impacts

Image: NWS at 7 a.m.

Here is a summary of the expected weather conditions for Maui County as Madeline departs and Lester approaches. Meteorologist Malika Dudley will be doing LIVE weather updates on our MauiNow.com Facebook page. Here is a link to the 5 a.m. video forecast.

Click here for a list of closures and cancellations due to Madeline. 

Click here for a list of continually updated closures and cancellations due to Lester. 
Latest on Lester – updated throughout the day. 
Madeline Weather Effects & Today’s Forecast

A Wind Advisory is posted for all islands in Maui County through 6 p.m. tonight with winds out of the E & NE from 25-35 mph, gusting to 50 mph in some spots. Winds this high can bring down tree branches and lead to power outages.

Partly cloudy skies are forecast for windward spots with light to moderate trade showers and improving conditions. Lots of sunshine for leeward spots.

Surf wise, our High Surf Warning has been replaced by a High Surf Advisory for eastern shores. Brown water is likely to be a concern in some areas (Hāna for example). Wave heights of 8 to 12 foot faces are expected today with a gradual decrease throughout the day as Madeline continues to move away from the islands. A Gale Warning is posted for the ʻAlenuihāhā (seas of 9 – 13 feet) and Pailolo (seas of 8 – 12 feet) channels as well as Māʻalaea Bay (seas of 3-5 feet). A Small Craft Advisory posted for all other coastal waters.

All Warnings with regard to Madeline have been discontinued.

Lester Weather Effects

According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, hurricane Lester is forecast to approach the state from the east over the next couple of days. The current Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecast brings Lester very close to the main Hawaiian islands Saturday and Sunday. Depending on the exact track that Lester takes, strong damaging winds and heavy rainfall are possible. Large and damaging surf is expected for east facing shores as well. It is still too early to determine which island is at most risk from Lester.

WIND:
HURRICANE WATCH – Maui, Molokai, Lāna’i, Kaho’olawe
Tropical storm conditions (39 mph +) are possible as early as late Friday and hurricane conditions (74 mph +) are possible Saturday. The chance for hurricane conditions at Kahului is 5%, Hāna is 6%, Lāna’i City is 4% and Kaunakakai 4%. The chance for tropical storm conditions at Kahului is 48%, Hāna is 51%, Lāna’i City is 43% and Kaunakakai is 49%.

Depending on the exact track of Lester, there is the possibility of significant wind damage, including downed trees and power lines, and damage to roofs and weak structures.
RAIN:
Deep moisture associated with Lester is expected to begin late Friday with the threat of heavy flooding rainfall continuing through Sunday. This rainfall could possibly lead to dangerous flash floods and mudslides.
SURF:
A High Surf Advisory is likely to be issued Friday. High Surf Warnings could pop up over the weekend.

Large and damaging surf is possible along east facing shores. Surf is expected to build to 15 to 25 feet Friday night into Saturday and continue through Sunday. This may cause significant wave run-up or damage to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways. Powerful longshore and rip currents will be present at most beaches. Large breaking waves and strong currents may impact harbor entrances and channels causing challenging boat handling.