By early evening Thursday, the flash flood warning that covered East Maui was officially lifted, signaling a shift toward drier conditions across the islands.
Key points
- The flash flood warning for East Maui was cancelled as rain intensity decreased.
- No active weather alerts remain for Maui County or Hawaii Island as of Thursday evening.
- Hana High and Elementary schools are slated to reopen on Friday.
- Improving conditions are expected statewide by Friday afternoon, though isolated rain may linger.
The National Weather Service reported at 7:18 p.m. that no watches, warnings or advisories remain in effect for Maui County or Hawaii Island, after the flash flood warning for East Maui was cancelled as rainfall eased.
Hana High School and Hana Elementary School on East Maui were closed Thursday due to heavy rain and road closures; the Hawaii State Department of Education expects both schools to reopen on Friday.
National Weather Service update
While the islands have benefited from overall rain, isolated heavy pockets caused minor flooding in some areas, though no major impacts were recorded.
Meteorologists note that drier air has already moved over Kauai and Oahu, with similar improvement expected for Maui County and Hawaii Island later tonight, though isolated showers may persist into Friday on windward East Maui and windward Hawaii Island.
School closures and reopening plans
The forecast for Halloween suggests scattered showers will remain possible in the eastern, windward parts of the state, but more typical trade winds are set to return by Friday afternoon.
Reader questions
What does the cancellation of a flash flood warning mean for residents?
It indicates that the immediate risk of flash flooding has subsided, but officials advise staying alert for any localized heavy rain that could develop.
When are Hana High School and Hana Elementary expected to reopen?
Both schools are planned to resume classes on Friday, according to the Hawaii State Department of Education.
Will rain affect Halloween activities on the islands?
Scattered showers are still possible in windward and mauka areas of the eastern islands, but trade winds are expected to dominate by Friday afternoon, reducing the likelihood of widespread rain.
Source: hawaiinewsnow.com