Friends on Maui, the National Weather Service, National Park Service, emergency management and others have been reporting flash flooding conditions today. The weather service has had flash flood in effect throughout the day and will update Maui weather conditions to a flood watch instead later tonight. That is set to remain in effect for the next two days, not only for Maui but also Lanai. Travel by road has been dangerous, and several popular Maui attractions have been closed.
While conditions, according to National Weather Service, may be improving, this situation could continue over the weekend.
Hawaii Emergency Management said, “An unstable weather pattern over Hawaii will bring the risk of hazardous weather from east to west across the state this weekend.” Honolulu is also set to see inclement and unpredictable weather this weekend, which could extend to Kauai.
Critically injured firefighter swept to ocean in a Maui storm drain.
Sadly, a Maui firefighter was critically injured in the process of attempting to help clear Maui flood conditions. He was reportedly swept down a large storm drain in Kihei on Friday afternoon. The raging water carried the man some 800 yds to the ocean, where other firefighters were able to rescue him. He initially became unresponsive, was later resuscitated, and then transported for medical care to the hospital.
Iconic Baldwin Beach Park, located near Paia, was closed.
Usually looking like the photo above, today Baldwin Beach was closed due to the excessive rainfall and flooding.
Hawaii Beach Safety reported the following beaches were also impacted by flooding:
- D.T. Fleming Park
- Hanakaooo Park
- Kamaole 1
- Kamaole 2
- Kamaole 3
- Kanaha Beach Park
- Makena State Park
In Kihei, South Kihei Road was closed (N. Kihei to Waipuilani).
Other areas that were also closed included a portion of Piilani Highway in East Maui and portions of Maui County parks.
A National Weather Service flash flood advisory for Maui was set to be upgraded to a flood watch late Friday evening, and was subsequently extended due to the possibility of more heavy rainfall in the forecast.
Weather issues hamper access to Mt. Haleakala National Park.
Those who have reservations for a sunrise visit on Saturday are advised that that is still possible. It is important, however, to check the Haleakala National Park website for the possibility of closure pending weather conditions before commencing travel.
The Haleakala Visitor Center and other parts of the park at high elevation were also closed Friday due to the inclement weather, but according to the website, they will now be open. Do check before heading there. The visitor center is located at 9,740 feet elevation.
The Kīpahulu coast area of Haleakala National Park, near Hana, remains open.
The monthly Fourth Friday Maui event at Kihei was also canceled Friday.
The festive monthly street fair was cancelled. The event takes place monthly from 6 pm to 9 pm and features live entertainment, food trucks/booths, and arts and crafts.
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