In light of a flash flood watch issued by the National Weather Service, the County of Maui is actively monitoring conditions and its departments are taking steps to prepare for possible adverse weather.

The flood watch takes effect at 6 a.m. Thursday, February 16 and continues until Saturday afternoon, February 18. According to the National Weather Service, a kona low is expected to bring widespread heavy rainfall to Maui County, with the onset starting Thursday afternoon and continuing into the weekend.

The County of Maui Emergency Management Agency is monitoring the situation. Since Tuesday, February 14, County of Maui Public Works crews have been deployed to check culverts and drainage areas around Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻiand have cleared areas where sand build-up caused blockage.

The public is advised to stay informed by going to mauicounty.gov and by signing up for alerts from the County of Maui Emergency Management Agency at mauicounty.gov/mema.

Under hazardous conditions, the public is encouraged to remain cautious and stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches and culverts. With expected heavy rainfall, motorists are advised to exercise caution.