Haiku gets 3.5 inches of rain as storm saturates islands

Parts of Maui saw more than 3 inches of rain as a Kona low passed across the state on Friday, keeping emergency officials on alert for potential flash flooding as showers continue.

Haiku saw 3.53 inches of rain over a 24-hour period that ended at 8 p.m. Friday, the highest total across the county, according to the National Weather Service. The West Wailuaiki gauge, also in East Maui, logged 2.23 inches of rain.

The West Maui Mountains also drew rainfall, with 1.85 inches recorded at the Mahinahina guage, 1.23 inches at the Puu Kukui gauge and 1.18 inches at the Kahakuloa gauge.

Molokai also saw widespread rain, with all six gauges recording at least an inch of rainfall, led by the Puu Alii gauge at 2.40 inches, the Makapulapai gauge at 2.33 inches and the Kamalo gauge at 2.27 inches.

On Lanai, the most rain was recorded by the Lanai City gauge at 1.62 inches. The Lanai Airport gauge logged 1.59 inches.

A plume of moisture forced by the Kona low will remain over the islands through at least Saturday afternoon, maintaining the threat of heavy rainfall, the National Weather Service said Friday. Recent rain has saturated soil across much of the state, and a period of moderate intensity showers could result in flash flooding, the weather service added.

All islands remain under a flood watch through 6 p.m. Saturday.

A high surf advisory is also in effect through 6 p.m. Saturday for east-facing shores of Maui and Molokai, with waves of 6 to 10 feet predicted, according to the weather service.

Maui County urged the public to stay alert, avoid areas at risk of flooding and to conserve water in case of water and power outages.

On Friday, Piilani Highway from Kipahulu to Ulupalakua was closed to all but local traffic given the potential for storm damage that has historically occurred in the area, the county said.