Saturday, Feb. 21, came with a soggy side on Maui as a Flood Advisory stretched across the island while bands of heavy rain swept over the Valley Isle. Showers pushed ponding onto roadways and sent stream levels climbing, with forecasters warning that low‑water crossings and poorly drained streets could quickly turn into no‑go zones. County officials urged residents and visitors to steer clear of flood‑prone spots as the squalls rolled through, noting that the evening expiration was tied to the strongest pulse of rain even though conditions could shift in a hurry.
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency posted on X that the advisory was “in effect until 9 PM HST” for the island of Maui, according to Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. At the same time, the National Weather Service in Honolulu had related flood watches and local hazard products running as a slow‑moving upper‑level trough funneled deep moisture into the islands.
Where Flooding Was Most Likely
The most intense downpours that day hammered Kauai and parts of Oahu, but Maui still picked up scattered heavy bands capable of nuisance flooding along windward slopes and upcountry roads. Hawaii News Now noted flash‑flood warnings and localized road closures elsewhere across the state, a reminder that under a setup like this, perilous pockets of rain can pop up with little room for error. That broader pattern kept the advisory in place for Maui even as forecasters watched the axis of the deepest moisture wobble around the island chain.
What Officials Advised
Officials urged everyone to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and other low‑lying areas, and to avoid driving through standing water, no matter how shallow it looks from behind the wheel. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency also reminded the public that its social feeds “are not monitored 24/7” and stressed that anyone in immediate danger should “call 9‑1‑1,” per Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.
Residents and visitors were told to keep an eye on real‑time watches, warnings and road updates. The National Weather Service in Honolulu posts updated hazard information as the weather evolves, while county alert systems and NOAA Weather Radio can deliver rapid local notices if flooding worsens. Drivers were reminded of the familiar but life‑saving rule: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
