NWS Red Flag Warning in effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today for leeward Maui County

A Red Flag Warning for leeward areas of Maui County and other Hawaiian Islands will go into effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, Oct. 16, 2024, according to National Weather Service (NWS) in Honolulu. The County's Maui Emergency Management Agency will be in partial activation and monitoring the situation during this time.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humility and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. A Red Flag Warning does not predict new fire starts.

Maui County areas under the Red Flag Warning today include west and leeward Molokaʻi, south, windward, leeward and mauka Lānaʻi, leeward West Maui, Maui's north and south Central Valley, South Maui, Upcountry and South Haleakalā, according to NWS.

NWS advised against outdoor burning and other activities that could emit sparks. Also, heat from vehicle exhaust systems can ignite dry grass so park vehicles on paved areas or where vegetation is trimmed or cleared.

MEMA advised that drivers adhere to no parking signs to ensure roadways remain clear and easily accessible.

Winds from the east are estimated at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, according to NWS. Relative humidity will be as low as 40% to 50%.

For other information on protecting life and property from wildfires, visit Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization at https://www.hawaiiwildfire.org/home.

For updated Maui County information, visit https://www.mauicounty.gov/emergency. Additional information may be found through local TV and radio stations, along with NWS in Honolulu at https://www.weather.gov/hfo/.