Maui Flood Advisory: Rainfall Rates Up to 3 Inches Per Hour

Satellite imagery courtesy NOAA/NWS (3.15.20)

Update:

The National Weather Service has ISSUED a FLOOD ADVISORY for the Island of Maui in effect until 10:15 p.m.

This advisory may need to be extended if heavy rain persists.

A Flood Advisory means that nuisance flooding is occurring or imminent.  A Flood Advisory may be upgraded to a Flash Flood Warning if flooding worsens and poses a threat to life and property.

EFFECTS:  At 7:10 p.m. HST, radar indicated heavy rain over the southeast slopes of Haleakala. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to…Wailea, Kīpahulu, ʻUlupalakua, Kēōkea, Nāhiku, Mākena, Kaupō, Hāna, Kailua and Haleakalā National Park.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:  Stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding.  Rainfall and runoff can cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action.  Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown.

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The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for the island of Maui until 7:30 p.m. HST.

Forecasters with the NWS say radar at 4:32 p.m. showed heavy showers with rain rates up to 3 inches per hour over portions of windward west and east Maui and upcountry. Additional, heavy showers are expected during the afternoon.

Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to: Kahului, Kapalua, Honokōhau, Kahakuloa, Puʻunēnē, Hāliʻimaile, Paʻuwela, Kēōkea, Makawao, Wailuku, Pāʻia and Waiehu.

The public is reminded to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to
flooding.  The NWS says rainfall and runoff will also cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action.

Motorists and pedestrians are advised not to cross fast flowing or rising water in their vehicle, or on
foot. “Turn around, don’t drown,” the NWS says.