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Heavy rain prompts flash flood warning for Maui; flood advisory covers parts of Big Island

COURTESY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
                                This satellite image shows the weather around Hawaii today.

COURTESY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

This satellite image shows the weather around Hawaii today.

UPDATE: Tuesday 1 a.m.

A flash flood warning for east Maui remains in effect until 2 a.m., National Weather Service forecasters said.

“At 12:15 a.m., radar indicated an area of nearly stationary heavy rainfall continues to develop over East Maui affecting the Hana Highway from Hana to Kipahulu and Oheo Gulch,” forecasters said. “Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour over this area for the past six hours. Flash flooding with rock and mud slides are imminent or already occurring.”

The weather service said the Maui Police Department has reported water flowing over Hana Highway and that the road is closed near Waikoloa due to flooding.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

Monday 11:15 p.m

The island of Maui is under a flash flood warning until 2 a.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

“At 10:58 p.m., radar indicated an area of nearly stationary heavy rainfall from Hana to Kipahulu and Oheo Gulch,” forecasters said. “Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour for the past four hours. Total rainfall amounts over the area based on radar range from 3 to 6 inches. Flash flooding with rock and mud slides are imminent or already occurring.”

Forecasters warn of flooding in streams, rivers, roads, properties, and low-lying areas, and that landslides are possible in steep terrain.

The warning includes the Hana Highway between Hana and Kipahulu, according to the weather service.

10:40 p.m.

A flood advisory is in effect for Hawaii island until 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

“At 10:23 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain over the east Big Island from Laupahoehoe to Hilo to Volcano. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Expect elevated water levels in local streams and water ponding on roadways,” the advisory says.

The advisory includes Hilo, Hawaiian Acres, Glenwood, Pepeekeo, Keaau, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, Orchidland Estates, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Pahoa, Honomu and Mountain View.

As earlier flood advisory for East Oahu and Maui has expired.

7:25 p.m.

A flood advisory has been issued for the eastern half of Oahu and the island of Maui.

About 6:20 p.m., radar showed heavy rain, falling at a rate of about 1 to 2 inches an hour, over the eastern half of Oahu, the National Weather Service said.

On Maui, heavy rain was falling over the eastern part of the island about 6:55 p.m., the weather service said.

The weather service warned the public to stay away from streams, drainage ditches, and low-lying areas prone to flooding and to expect rapidly rising water in streams and ponding on roadways.

The advisory for Oahu was set to expire at 9:15 p.m., while the advisory for Maui was set to expire at 10 p.m.

The advisories may be extended if heavy rainfall persists.

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