Maui County officials are urging residents to prepare for a second kona low storm that is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall to Maui County less than a week after a storm caused widespread flooding and strong wind.

The incoming storm is not expected to be as strong as last week’s storm, according to the National Weather Service. However, with the ground saturated from recent flooding, the threat increases for potential flash flooding and landslides.

A National Weather Service flood watch will go into effect at 6 p.m. Thursday until 6 p.m. Sunday for Maui, Molokai, Oʻahu and Hawaii island.

Several rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall are anticipated, according to the National Weather Service, and the heaviest rain is expected Friday night through Saturday.

Maui received the highest rainfall totals in the state from the recent kona storm, and wind speeds were the second highest in the state, according to National Weather Service data. Flooding and wind severely damaged portions of South Maui, ʻIao, Upper Kula, East Maui and Lahaina.

Visitors and residents are urged to stay informed, create an emergency plan, prepare an emergency kit, secure property and look out for one another. Residents who live near streams should prepare early.

“After enduring a recent, powerful kona storm, we recognize that many in our community are still recovering and may be feeling fatigued or concerned as they now face preparations for another, weaker system,” Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said. “However, because the ground remains saturated, this new kona low still poses serious risks. Please take care of your households and check in on kūpuna, keiki, family, friends and neighbors. Looking out for one another helps keep our entire community safe.”

The Maui Emergency Management Agency has been coordinating with other county departments, as well as state and nongovernment partners, to mitigate potential storm impacts.

The Department of Human Concerns has confirmed with Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center in Wailuku that beds and other resources are available for unsheltered individuals. Unsheltered individuals seeking dry shelter during the storm may go directly to Ka Hale A Ke Ola and must sign in at the operations desk for assistance.

The Maui Emergency Management Agency has been working with the Red Cross and other partners to identify shelters that can be opened in potentially vulnerable areas should storm impacts warrant evacuation.

The Department of Public Works has been preparing personnel and equipment for emergency response, as well as conducting kona storm damage repairs that include road patching, road clearance, stabilizing banks, shoulder work and mud and debris removal, among other efforts, across Maui County.

The Maui County Department of Water Supply and Department of Environmental Management are preparing infrastructure sites that could potentially be affected by the approaching storm. The Department of Water Supply has emergency crews working daily to repair kona storm damage to water lines and other infrastructure.

For the latest information, visit the National Weather Service in Honolulu at weather.gov/hfo and subscribe to Genasys and Maui Emergency Management Agency alerts at mauicounty.gov/MEMA.