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Flood watch issued as Maui County urges preparation for another storm

The Maui County Department of Public Works works to clear debris along Pūlehu Road. Photo courtesy Maui County

Maui County officials are urging residents to prepare for another storm that’s expected to bring heavy rain and possible flooding through the end of the week.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu said Tuesday that flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible from Wednesday morning through Friday afternoon. Forecasters said a developing low-pressure system west of the islands will draw in abundant moisture, increasing the likelihood of heavy rain and thunderstorms statewide.

Significant flooding may occur due to excessive rainfall and overflow of streams and drainages. 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 warning comes as Maui County continues to recover from two powerful storms in March that caused severe damage to portions of Molokai, South Maui, Iao Valley, Upper Kula, East Maui and Lahaina.

County officials said saturated ground conditions from the recent storms are increasing the chance of flooding from the incoming storm, even with lower rainfall totals.

“Our community has already endured so much in the wake of two recent kona storms, and we recognize the strain and uncertainty many are still carrying,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “With a third kona storm now on the horizon, know that our county teams remain fully engaged, continuing response and recovery efforts without pause. Support is ongoing, and no one is facing this alone. As we prepare for this next storm, we urge residents to take precautions now — check in on loved ones, secure your homes and stay informed — while we continue working together toward recovery.”

According to the NWS, parts of Maui County recorded some of the highest rainfall totals in the state between March 10 and March 24, including more than 50 inches at Haleakala Summit, Puʻu Kukui and Kula.

Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett urged residents and visitors to take precautions ahead of the storm, especially those in flood-prone areas.

“Many in our community are still in the midst of recovery after the last kona storms, and it’s completely understandable that the prospect of another system feels overwhelming,” Lonokailua-Hewett said. “With soils already saturated, even lighter rainfall can quickly create dangerous conditions. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and stay connected with those around you — especially kūpuna, keiki and neighbors who may need extra support. Preparing ourselves and our ʻohana is one of the most important ways we keep our community strong and safe.”

County departments are preparing for potential impacts while continuing storm recovery efforts.

The Maui Police Department is increasing staffing across all districts and warned that response times for nonemergency calls may be longer during the storm. Officials advised residents to call 911 in emergencies and to treat intersections as four-way stops if traffic signals fail.

The Maui Emergency Management Agency is coordinating with the Red Cross and other partners to identify shelters that could be opened if evacuations are needed.

Public works crews have been clearing debris from roads and storm drains, while water and environmental management departments are securing infrastructure, fueling generators and preparing standby crews.

For the latest information and alerts, go to NWS in Honolulu at weather.gov/hfo/ and subscribe to Genasys and MEMA alerts at mauicounty.gov/MEMA.

Correction: This report has been updated to reflect the storm was not a kona low storm.

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