Heavy rain, snow hits Hawaii island, Maui County
Heavy rains created muddy runoff from Honokahua Stream into the ocean off Maui.
A weather radar image taken at about 11 a.m. shows rain over Maui County and Hawaii island.
Heavy rain and snow on the Big Island and more rain over Maui County prompted flood watches and advisories, and a winter weather warning.
A flood watch remains in effect for Maui and the Big Island because of the threat of flash flooding until 6 a.m. Thursday.
Forecasters said the highest threat is on the windward sides of Maui and Hawaii islands, where tradewinds will focus the showers.
"Excessive runoff may result in rock and mudslides in steep terrain. Fast-moving waters may create life-threatening situations," forecasters said.
The stormy weather could also drop 10 to 15 inches of snow on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa above the 12,000 foot level, where a winter storm warning is posted until 6 a.m. Thursday.
The heavy rains prompted a brown water advisory for Honokahua and Honolua Bay. The state Department of Health said the advisory will likely be expanded to Oneloa Bay and other waters as muddy water from Honokahua Stream spreads along the coast.
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The public is advised to stay out of flood waters and storm water runoff that could be contaminated from overflowing cesspools, pesticides, dead animals, animal fecal matter and debris.
In the 24-hour period ending at 11 a.m., Puu Alii on Molokai received the most rain — more than 8.6 inches. About 3.2 inches fell at Puu Kukui and the Hana Airport recorded 2.1 inches. Wailuku received 1.4 inches and Haiku saw about 1.3 inches. On the Big Island, nearly 3.2 inches fell at the Hilo Airport; and about 2.2 inches was recorded in Pahoa. Mountain View and Honokaa saw about 1.6 inches.
Other islands were mostly dry, expect for Windward Oahu, where 1.2 inches fell on the Oahu Forest National Wildlife Reserve in the northern Koolau mountains and about .3 inches fell at the H-3 tunnel, upper Nuuanu and Ahuimanu.
Oahu can expect breezy tradewinds and cloudy skies with scatted showers over windward areas and isolated leeward showers through Friday.
The forecast for Honolulu and south shores of Oahu calls for cloudy skies with scattered showers and breezy tradewinds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph. The high will be between 76 and 81 degrees and lows will drop to between 63 and 69 degrees.
There’s a 50 percent chance of rain Wednesday.
Skies should clear Thursday morning, but cloudy weather with scattered showers and a 50 percent chance of rain returns Thursday night.
