Maui under High Wind Warning and Flood Watch, Hawai’i
A High Wind Warning and a Flood Watch have been issued for Maui County as a powerful winter storm brings heavy rainfall, high winds, and flood risks through Friday, January 30, 2025.
Image credit: NOAA/GOES-West, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers. Acquired at 10:10 UTC on January 30, 2025
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Honolulu has issued a High Wind Warning and a Flood Watch for portions of Maui County, including Kahoolawe, Lanai, Maui, and Molokai, as a strong winter storm moves across the region.
High winds and heavy rainfall are expected to impact the islands through Friday afternoon, increasing the risk of flash flooding, power outages, and travel disruptions.
The High Wind Warning remains effective from 06:00 LT (16:00 UTC) Thursday to 06:00 LT Friday, with southerly winds of 40 to 56 km/h (25 to 35 mph) and localized gusts exceeding 96 km/h (60 mph).
Severe weather conditions are forecasted across Kahoolawe, Lanai, Maui, and Molokai, posing a risk of falling trees, downed power lines, and structural damage.
The strongest winds are expected near ridges and mountain gaps in Haleakala Summit, South Maui, and Upcountry areas.
The NWS has also issued a High Wind Watch for Haleakala Summit, predicting southwest winds of 64 to 80 km/h (40 to 50 mph), with gusts up to 112 km/h (70 mph).
A Flood Watch is in effect for all Hawaiian Islands from Wednesday evening through Friday afternoon. The system is advancing from the west-northwest and is expected to bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding.
Urban areas and low-lying regions across the islands are vulnerable, with roads at risk of closure because of overflowing streams and rapid runoff.
“MEMA is preparing for severe weather, including heavy rain, flooding, and high winds, which is expected to impact Maui County,” Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett, said.
“I encourage everyone to take steps to be prepared.”
Authorities warn that travel will be hazardous and urge residents to secure loose outdoor objects and prepare for potential power outages.
Local authorities including the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Department of Public Works (DPW), and the American Red Cross, have activated emergency preparedness measures.
Crews are actively clearing drains and culverts in flood-prone areas such as Lahaina, Wailuku, Makawao, and Hana. The county is also working with Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center to provide temporary shelter for homeless individuals.
In anticipation of power disruptions, water supply, and environmental management teams are refueling heavy equipment and preparing backup generators.
The Kaunoa Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels program has also delivered nonperishable food supplies to homebound seniors to ensure they are prepared.
Travelers and residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Hāna and Haleakalā because of potential landslides and flooding. County officials have staged temporary stop signs to replace traffic signals in case of outages.
References:
1 NWS Forecast Office Honolulu, HI – NWS/NOAA – Accessed on January 30, 2025
2 Alert Center – COUNTY OF MAUI Hawaii – January 29, 2025
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
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