Friday Weather Updates: Maui Flood Advisory in effect until 9:45 p.m.

Maui Flood Advisory in effect until 9:45 p.m.
Update: 6:40 p.m., May 10, 2024

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for Maui until 9:45 p.m. At 6:36 p.m., radar showed heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms over Upcountry Maui, with rain falling at a rate of up to 2 inches per hour. Additional heavy showers will be possible over the next few hours. Some locations that will experience flooding include: Kahului, Kīhei, Kula, Kēōkea, Pukalani, Makawao, Hāliʻimaile, Wailea, Pāʻia, ʻUlupalakua, Puʻunēnē, Haʻikū-Paʻuwela, Paʻuwela, Māʻalaea, Mākena, Huelo, Keʻanae, Haleakalā National Park, Hoʻokipa Beach Park and Kailua. As a precaution, the public is advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding.

Special Marine Warning for Maui County Windward Waters until 6:30 p.m.
Update: 4:37 p.m., May 10, 2024

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Marine Warning for Maui County windward waters until 6:30 p.m. At 4:35 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing waterspouts was located 25 nm northeast of FAD Buoy T, or 34 nm north of Hoʻolehua, moving east at 20 knots. Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves. The severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly open waters. As a precaution, the public should prepare for gusty winds, steep and fast-building seas, and blinding downpours. The NWS advises mariners to stay low or go below, and make sure all on board are wearing life jackets.

Active weather expected through Saturday with risk of severe thunderstorms
Update: 4:18 a.m., May 10, 2024

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement saying active weather is expected through Saturday, with the risk of severe thunderstorms in the forecast. The NWS reports an unusually strong upper level disturbance moving over the state will support strong to severe thunderstorms, which could produce damaging winds and large hail.

“The greatest chance for severe thunderstorms will occur through the day today, with the threat slowly diminishing from west to east tonight through Saturday,” according to the forecast. A Flood Watch also remains in effect for the entire state through 6 a.m. Saturday.

Flood Watch for state until 6 a.m. Saturday
Update: 3:28 a.m., May 10, 2024

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for all of the main Hawaiian Islands through 6 a.m. Saturday.

The NWS reports the threat for strong to severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall will continue across the state through tonight as a strong upper level disturbance settles southward over the area. Conditions are expected to steadily improve from west to east later tonight through Saturday as the disturbance drifts eastward.

As a precaution, the public is advised: it does not have to be raining at your location for flash flooding to occur. “If you notice signs of heavy rain or thunderstorms upslope, move quickly away from flood prone areas,” according to the NWS.

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

NWS: Hawaiʻi Area Synopsis
Update: 3:30 a.m., May 10, 2024

The National Weather Service reports the threat for strong to severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall will continue across the state through tonight as a strong upper level disturbance settles southward into the area.

“Although the thunderstorm potential will lower early next week, plenty of moisture lingering combined with afternoon sea breezes and a broad surface trough nearby will support afternoon showers over interior and leeward areas each day,” according to a Hawaiʻi Area Synopsis.

The NWS advises that the wet pattern could continue through the latter half of next week as another upper disturbance approaches.

Winter Storm Warning for Big Island Summits
Update: 3:53 a.m., May 10, 2024

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the summits on Hawaiʻi Island from noon today to 6 a.m. Saturday. Heavy snow and very strong winds are expected, with snow accumulations of up to 6 inches and winds gusting over 70 mph.

Motorists are advised that travel could be very difficult to impossible in the area with blowing snow significantly reducing visibility at times, with periods of zero visibility. Any travel plans to the summits should be postponed until the threat diminishes.