Maui residents prepare for yet another bout of stormy weather

KAHULUI, MAUI (HawaiiNewsNow) – On the Valley Isle, county officials are encouraging everyone to prepare for heavy rainfall and flooding.

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Forecasters expect 8 to 15 inches of rain for East Maui, bringing a significant threat of flash flooding.

“We are closely monitoring this latest tropical system, and our emergency management teams are preparing for the possibility of impacts to Maui County,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “While it is still too early to know exactly what conditions we may see, now is the time for residents and visitors to take simple steps to be prepared.”

The Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) warned that if gulches in the Upcountry area accumulate too much water, they could overflow into residential properties.

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“You know, a specific things that they gotta do related to protecting their property and preparing for water flow, a higher level of water flow through a gulch that runs parallel to your property, any kind of protective measure that you can take is recommended,” MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said.

The agency said it is coordinating with other Maui County departments as well as state, private, and nonprofit partners.

MEMA advises residents to stock up on emergency supplies, including water, food and medication. Officials also urge everyone to stay off the roads and out of harm’s way until the storm passes.

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Residents are encouraged to: