Wet Weather Prompts Flood Advisory on Maui

Rain. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 1:11 p.m. 1/13/31)

A flood advisory remains in effect for the island of Maui until 2:30 p.m.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service said radar at 1:05 p.m. showed that most of the heavy rain had diminished over the windward portions of Haleakala; but moderate to heavy showers are now affecting the northern and western portions of West Maui from Honokohau to Napili and Lahaina.

Authorities say runoff remains high in streams along the windward side.

(Update: 11:34 a.m. 1/31/13)

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended a Flood Advisory for Maui until 2:30 p.m.

At 11:24 a.m., radar showed areas of moderate to heavy rain affecting both windward and leeward portions of Maui.

Forecasters from the NWS said that while the widespread heavy rain over windward areas has diminished somewhat and is primarily affecting the area from Huelo to Paia, runoff remains high due to earlier rainfall.

In addition, rain has spread into leeward west Maui with areas affected from Napili to Lahaina.

(Update: 9:17 a.m. 1/31/13)

A flood advisory for the island of Maui has been extended until 12:30 p.m.

At 9:15 a.m., radar continued to show areas of moderate to heavy rain over the windward slopes of Maui. The heavy rain included showers over the slopes of Haleakala, and along the windward slopes of the West Maui Mountains.

Forecasters from the National Weather Service say other locations in the advisory include but are not limted to: Kanaha Beach Park, Wailuku, Waikapu, Waihee, Waiehu, Spreckelsville, Puunene, Pauwela, Paia, Makawao, Keanae, Kahakuloa, Hookipa Beach Park, Honokohau, Haliimaile and Haiku.

(Update: 8:12 a.m. 1/31/13)

A flood advisory remains in effect until 9:30 a.m. for Maui. At 8:05 a.m., radar continued to show areas of moderate to heavy rain over the windward slopes of Maui. The wet weather includes showers over the slopes of Haleakala, and along the windward slopes of the West Maui Mountains.

(Posted: 6:32 a.m. 1/31/13)

A flood advisory has been issued for the island of Maui until 9:30 a.m., January 31, 2013.

Forecasters from the National Weather Service say radar at 6:24 a.m. showed persistent moderate to heavy rain over the north facing slopes of Maui, with the heaviest rain over the Hana coast between Nahiku and Hookipa; and over the windward portions of the West Maui Mountains from Waihee to Kahakuloa.

Other locations in the advisory include Kanaha Beach Park, Haiku, Keanae, Paia, and Kahakuloa.

As a precaution, the public is advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches, and low-lying areas prone to flooding.

Motorists are reminded that rainfall and runoff can make driving conditions hazardous due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action.

Motorists and pedestrians are also advised that they should not cross fast flowing or rising water in their vehicle or on foot.  The National Weather Service says, “Turn around… don’t drown.”