71
NOAA / NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
This satellite image taken this afternoon shows clouds north of the islands and another band of clouds moving west over the Big Island.
HAWAII NATIONAL GUARD/ GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
This photo, taken today during a helicopter flight over the Wailuku River, shows homes near the river and flood damage.
Forecasters expect an increase in rain and humidity this weekend as a former hurricane passes north of Hawaii, raising concerns for residents who live near the Wailuku River, who are still recovering from last week’s flooding.
A flood advisory for East Maui expired at 11 a.m. after heavy rains near Hana eased.
At 7:51 a.m., radar showed rain falling near Hana at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.
Forecasters said last week’s flooding changed the course of the Wailuku River, formerly known as Iao Stream, which is now running close to homes in the windward West Maui area.
“It won’t take much mauka rainfall for the river to cause problems again,” forecasters said. “However the river gauge was washed away by the flooding and it is currently uncertain as to how much rain it would take for the stream to rise to the level that it would threaten lives and property.”
Tropical moisture associated with remnants of former Hurricane Orlene moved over the state, bringing muggy conditions and unstable atmospheric conditions to most islands.
The remnants are also weakening the cooling tradewinds, which are shifting more to the east-southeast direction.
The increased tropical moisture, unstable atmospheric conditions and shifting winds are expected to bring an increase in rains through Saturday.
“Locally heavy showers are possible today, especially over the Big Island and Maui,” forecasters said.
Leeward areas could also see some afternoon showers because of daytime heating and the light winds.
The forecast for West Maui, including Wailuku, calls for a 50 to 70 percent chance of rain through Monday.
For Honolulu and south shores of Oahu, forecasters expect a 50 percent chance of rain through Saturday, with partly sunny to mostly sunny days in the morning and then mostly cloudy skies with scattered showers in the afternoon. Highs should be between 85 and 90 degrees, but could feel hotter because of the humidity.
A cold front could move over the islands Monday, bringing more rains.
Massive amounts of moisture was transferred from the ocean to the atmosphere. Unfortunately what goes up must come down.