Photo courtesy National Weather Service
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch in Maui County and elsewhere in the state through late Sunday. The NWS map includes areas of high wind warning and flood advisory.

The National Weather Service Friday morning continued to issue a flash flood watch for Maui County and all other islands until late Sunday (March 15), noting the possibility of flash flooding caused by excessive rain.

“Significant flooding may occur due to the overflow of streams and drainages” the weather service said.

“Roads in several areas may be closed, along with property damage in urban or low lying spots due to runoff. Landslides may also occur in areas with steep terrain.”

The weather service said considerable flash flooding is possible because of a powerful Kona storm northwest of the state drawing tropical moisture across the islands.

It said persistent bands of heavy rain and thunderstorms may produce intense rainfall rates, leading to rapid rises in streaming sea flooding in low-lying areas.”

Roads closed

The county said Thursday that Hanakai Road in Kahului between Hana Highway and Alameda Street is closed due to flooding and will be closed until further notice, due to the storm.

“Updates will be provided throughout this time,” it said.

Evacuation Centers opened

While no evacuation orders have been issued as of March 12, Evacuation Centers are open at the following locations:

• South Maui Community Park gym: 1501 Liloa Drive, Kīhei

• Maui High School gymnasium: 660 Lono Ave., Kahului

• Kaunakakai Gym: 180 Ala Malama Ave., Kaunakakai

• Lahaina Civic Center: 1840 Honoapi‘ilani Highway, Lahaina