Waterspout Reported North of Kahului

RB Color Curve map 3/5/12 21:00 UTC, courtesy NOAA & NWS.

By Wendy Osher

A special marine warning is in effect for Maui County windward waters after a waterspout was spotted earlier this morning.

The warning has been extended until 1:30 p.m.

At 11:32 a.m., the National Weather Service reported a thunderstorm located about 52 nautical miles north of Kahului.

The system was moving southeast at 5 knots, and had produced a waterspout at around 10:15 a.m.

The thunderstorm was producing strong winds of 34 knots or greater.

A separate marine warning was also issued this afternoon for the Alenuihaha Channel, Maalaea Bay, and Windward and Leeward waters of Maui County.

The advisory remains in effect until 12:30 p.m. Just before noon, radar showed a thunderstorm producing strong winds of 34 knots or greater. The system was located about 20 nautical miles south of Kahului, and was moving northeast at 15 knots.

Mariners can expect gusty winds, locally higher seas, an dangerous lighting. The National Weather Service advises mariners to seek safe harbor until the storm passes.

***Supporting information courtesy NWS & NOAA.