A flash flood warning for the island of Maui has been stretched all the way to midnight HST Saturday as bands of heavy rain keep hammering the island. Officials say the already soaked ground and swollen streams could send water rushing over low-lying roads and through drainage channels with little warning.
The flash flood warning for Maui has been EXTENDED to midnight HST tonight.
— Hawaii EMA (@hawaii_ema) March 22, 2026
Warning Extended As Heavy Rain Keeps Coming
The National Weather Service in Honolulu pushed the Flash Flood Warning for Maui through midnight HST after radar showed heavy showers and thunderstorms firing up again over West Maui, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches an hour. Forecasters said stream levels remain high, and emergency managers have reported road closures in Lahaina, Kahului and Wailuku, with landslides possible on steep slopes. Residents are being urged to avoid low-lying spots and stay tuned to local emergency officials for the latest, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
State Alert Goes Out On X
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency amplified the extension on its X feed, adding a reminder that its social media channels are not monitored around the clock and that anyone in immediate danger should call 9-1-1. The short update noted the flash flood warning now runs until midnight HST and urged people to stay away from streams and drainage channels. The post is available via the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.
Storm Slams Wider Hawaii
The system bringing this relentless rain has already soaked much of the state, with widespread flooding, hundreds of rescues and communities placed under evacuation orders, the Associated Press reported. That broader hit across the islands is a big reason forecasters are so concerned, since saturated hillsides and full retention basins can turn any new burst of heavy showers into a fast-moving, life-threatening flash flood.
Safety Tips And What To Skip
Officials are telling people to steer clear of streams, rivers, drainage ditches and culverts, and to be extra careful after dark when fast-rising water can be almost impossible to spot. The National Weather Service is also repeating its usual warning that just one foot of moving water can carry off a small car and that drivers should never try to plow through a flooded roadway. If water starts to rise around your vehicle, get to higher ground immediately, per the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
Local Response And Island Prep
The governor issued an emergency proclamation earlier this month to free up state resources ahead of the storm, and county agencies have been working on shelter operations, clearing roads and other response work, according to Maui News. County leaders are urging residents and visitors to follow official county updates and do what local emergency managers say as the situation evolves.
Officials say the warning could be extended again or canceled depending on how conditions play out overnight. For now, they want everyone on Maui to keep phones charged, avoid any travel through flooded areas and be ready for conditions to turn quickly.
