UPDATE: 10:30 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement warning of significant weather impacts across Hawaii from Wednesday night through early Friday. An unusually strong low-pressure system is expected to pass north of the islands on Thursday, bringing damaging winds, heavy rain, and the potential for severe thunderstorms.

Damaging downsloping winds are forecast east of mountain ranges, particularly on Kauai and Oahu, from Wednesday night through Thursday night. Heavy rainfall capable of causing flash flooding is expected statewide, with the heaviest rain likely over leeward terrain. Intense rain rates and an enhanced risk of strong to severe thunderstorms are anticipated, with the primary threat being damaging wind gusts, especially over western areas of the state.

10 a.m.

The earlier flood advisory for the island of Maui has expired.

Weather officials say heavy showers and thunderstorms are still hitting East Maui this morning, however, with northern portions of East Hawaii island expected to see similar conditions later today. Breezy and cool northerly winds will develop today as a cold front moves through the islands, bringing temporary relief from heavy rainfall.

Monday, 6:30 a.m.

The National Weather Service has canceled a flood watch for Oahu, Niihau and Kauai early this morning, but Maui County remains under a flood watch through noon today as heavy rains persist.

A flood advisory is also in effect for the island of Maui until 10 a.m. after radar reports of heavy rainfall over East Maui, with rain rates of 1 to 2.5 inches per hour, the NWS said.

Areas such as Kipahulu, Kaupo, Nahiku, Keanae, Hana, Haleakala National Park, Wailua and Hamoa are at risk of minor flooding in streams, poor drainage areas and roadways.

The advisory comes as a slow-moving cold front continues to affect Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe. The NWS warns that heavy showers and thunderstorms triggered by an upper-level trough could result in flash flooding, particularly in windward areas.

Officials urge residents and visitors in affected areas to avoid streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding. Urban areas could experience significant runoff and property damage in some locations.

Rainfall across Maui County is expected to taper off this afternoon as conditions improve.

Sunday, 10:55 p.m.

Heavy rains on Oahu abated Sunday night but National Weather Service forecasters say Hawaii residents should expect more strong thunderstorms later this week.

“A potent winter low will affect the state Wednesday night through Thursday night, bringing a significant threat of strong to potentially damaging southwest winds, flooding, and strong to severe thunderstorms,” forecasters said. “Impacts should diminish on Friday as the low races away to the northeast.”

A fast-moving but powerful storm brought heavy rain and lightning throughout Oahu Sunday night, leading to a flash flood warning for several hours for Windward and East Oahu and to temporary power outages affecting thousands of residents.

The warning expired but a flood watch remained for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Niihau until late Sunday night.

10:30 p.m.

The flash flood warning for Oahu has expired but most Hawaiian islands remain under a flood watch.

The flood watch covers Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Niihau through late Sunday night.

“A trough developing near Oahu will merge with a front overnight and move slowly eastward,” National Weather Service forecasters said. “An upper level trough will trigger heavy showers and thunderstorms along the trough, bringing the threat for flash flooding, especially over windward areas. The flood threat will decrease during the day on Monday.”

Forecasters said that “a trough developing near Oahu will merge with a front overnight and move slowly eastward. An upper level trough will trigger heavy showers and thunderstorms along the trough, bringing the threat for flash flooding, especially over windward areas. The flood threat will decrease during the day on Monday.”

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE

Much of Oahu is under a flash flood warning as heavy rain falls over a large part of the island tonight.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu says the warning is in effect until 10 p.m. and covers Honolulu, Waipio, Waiahole, Waikane, Kahaluu, Ahuimanu, Aiea, Pearl City, Kaaawa, Halawa, Mililani, Moanalua, Punaluu, Salt Lake, Kaneohe, Wahiawa, Kalihi, Wheeler Field, Hauula and Kaneohe Marine Base.

“At 6:45 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain over eastern Oahu, with the heaviest rain falling from Kaaawa to Manoa. Rain was falling at a rate of 2 to 3 inches per hour. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” the warning said.

The weather service also has issued a flash flood watch until late tonight for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Niihau.

“A trough developing near Oahu will merge with a front overnight and move slowly eastward,” forecasters said. “An upper level trough will trigger heavy showers and thunderstorms along the trough, bringing the threat for flash flooding, especially over windward areas. The flood threat will decrease during the day on Monday.”