Maui flash flood warning extended to evening as Hana soaks: what to know
Web StoryWatch this story in 15 seconds →Key takeaways
- The National Weather Service extended the East Maui flash flood warning to 5:45 PM Thursday.
- Doppler radar showed rain falling at 0.5 to 1.5 inches per hour near Hana and Hamoa.
- Emergency officials opened a temporary evacuation point at Helene Hall in Hana.
A flash flood warning now covers East Maui until 5:45 PM Thursday. The National Weather Service extended the warning after heavy rain hit the island. Rain fell at up to 1.5 inches per hour.
The heaviest rain struck near Hana and Hamoa. Flash flooding was already happening when the extension came.
What happened
The warning started early Thursday morning. At 8:55 AM, the weather service issued a flash flood warning for Maui. It was set to end at 11:45 AM
The warning later stretched to 2:45 PM Then it stretched again to 5:45 PM
Doppler radar told the story. At 2:35 PM, radar showed heavy rain over East Maui. Rain rates reached 0.5 to 1.5 inches per hour.
Earlier in the day, rates reached 1 to 2 inches per hour. The rain band barely moved. It sat over the eastern end of Maui for hours.
Several towns faced flooding. The warning named Kipahulu, Nahiku, Kaupo, and Hana. It also named Keanae, Wailua, Hamoa, and Kailua.
Haleakala National Park appeared on the list too. Small streams and creeks rose fast. Streets, highways, and underpasses flooded.
Emergency officials took action. At 10:43 AM, the Maui Emergency Management Agency issued an evacuation warning. It covered the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park.
The National Park Service had asked for it. Flash flooding and other hazards caused the warning.
A temporary evacuation point opened in Hana. It is at Helene Hall, 174 Keawa Place. Officials opened it Wednesday night.
It stays open until the flood threat passes. It is not a full shelter. Residents must bring their own supplies.
Pets are allowed only in crates or cages.
The broader watch covered more islands. A flood watch stayed in effect for Maui and Hawaii counties until 6 PM Thursday. It also covered Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and the Big Island.
Flood advisories ran during the early morning hours too.
Why it matters
Flash floods kill fast. The weather service says most flood deaths happen in vehicles. Just a few inches of moving water can carry a car away.
That is why officials keep repeating one rule: turn around, do not drown. Never drive on flooded roads.
The warning hit a busy travel spot. East Maui draws visitors to Hana every day. The famous road to Hana winds past waterfalls and streams.
Those streams turn deadly in heavy rain. The National Park Service moved quickly because of this. The evacuation warning for Kipahulu came before conditions worsened.
Roads closed across the area. Emergency officials told people to avoid nonessential travel into East Maui. High water blocked several roads.
Flooded streets cut off normal routes. Hawaii has seen coastal flooding force similar road closures before.
The timing added pressure. The rain arrived just before Halloween weekend. Travelers and locals had plans.
Events across Maui County faced last-minute changes. Emergency officials worked through the night to keep people safe.
What happens next
Conditions should start to improve soon. The weather service says rain will ease this evening. Trade winds return this weekend.
That means normal, breezy Hawaii weather. A new weather front early next week will cut rain chances further.
But the danger is not over yet. The rain band stayed nearly stationary for hours. More rain can still fall before it clears.
Streams remain high. Roads stay slick. Emergency officials urge people to stay alert.
Check the Genasys Protect app for local warnings.
Travelers should check before driving. Visit the National Weather Service in Honolulu online for updates. Follow Maui County and MEMA on social media.
Past floods show evacuations can spread fast once water rises. If a road is flooded, do not cross it.
The warning will expire at 5:45 PM if conditions improve. New warnings can come if rain picks up again. The flood watch for Maui and Hawaii counties ends at 6 PM
Officials will lift the evacuation warning when the threat passes.
One last point: stay away from streams and drainage ditches. Floodwater hides dangers below the surface. It can be much deeper than it looks.
Give the crews space to work. When in doubt, move to higher ground.
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