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Forecasters warn hikers, drivers, swimmers of rain, surf

Craig Gima
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NOAA/NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE The National Weather Service says an area of enhanced moisture east of Maui is expected to move over the islands today, bringing the chance of heavy rain and even thunderstorms.
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NOAA/NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

The National Weather Service says an area of enhanced moisture east of Maui is expected to move over the islands today and tonight, bringing the chance of heavy rain and even thunderstorms.

Scattered showers, some heavy, are possible as a wet weather system moves over the islands, bringing unstable atmospheric conditions.

An area of what forecasters call “enhanced moisture” is northeast of Maui and moving west.

Strong tradewinds blew some of the wet weather over windward areas this morning and some of those showers could move over leeward sections, forecasters said.

There were reports of short-lived thunderstorms this morning on the Big Island.

Another weather system could also weaken tradewinds as it passes, leading to afternoon rains in leeward and upslope sections.

The forecast for Oahu, Kauai and Maui counties calls for occasional windward and mauka showers overnight and Monday morning. Leeward areas should see partly cloudy skies with scattered showers tonight through Tuesday. Some of the showers could be locally heavy and there’s a slight chance of thunderstorms.

In a special weather statement issued this morning, forecasters warned of the chance of heavy afternoon showers developing because of the unstable atmospheric conditions.

“Motorists may encounter downpours which drastically reduce visibility and cause ponding of water … Don’t drive through any areas where water might cover the road,” forecasters said. “Hikers should be aware that streams may be running high later today and Monday, which could cut off hiking trails. If possible, choose a better hiking day when the weather is quieter.

“Although most spots will not hear thunder today, remember the rule of thumb that if you do hear it, you care close enough to be struck by lightning. When thunder roars, go indoors.”

In addition, a high surf advisory is in effect for south shores of all islands until 6 p.m. Monday. Surf of 6 to 10 feet is expected. The strong breaking waves and strong currents could make swimming dangerous.

5 responses to “Forecasters warn hikers, drivers, swimmers of rain, surf”

  1. wrightj says:

    The people will hike anyway because they know they will be rescued.

  2. paniolo says:

    In other words, STAY HOME. Don’t hike, don’t drive, don’t swim.

  3. saywhatyouthink says:

    National weather forecasters in Hawaii are right about as often as Tutu. Guy Hagi learned that the hard way when they had him hype several events over the past few years that never happened.
    Apparently weather forecasting is far from an exact science, they should admit as much since they’re so often wrong.

  4. manoa111 says:

    Yep, another wrong forecast for the Leeward side. So it goes….

    Guy Hagi is as much a metereologist as Jason Segundo, the former American Idol singer haha Can’t we just patch in NOAA for 1 minute each evening to tell us the forecast? 🙂

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