Maui County, HI

29/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 29/08/2024 23:20

Weakening Gilma may bring rain to windward Maui; no watches or warnings anticipated

National Weather Service (NWS) this morning, Aug. 29, 2024, reported that storm systems Gilma and Hector weakened overnight, and no watches or warnings are anticipated to be in effect.

However, Gilma, which downgraded to a tropical depression early this morning, brings the potential for heavy rain tonight through Saturday - specifically over windward Maui and Hawaiʻi Island districts. Widespread flooding is not expected, but localized flooding is possible in these areas, NWS said.

Tropical Depression Gilma, with winds of 35 miles per hour, is located about 285 miles east of Hilo and is moving west at 14 mph through today followed by a turn to the west-northwest on Friday.

Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) continues to monitor storms and coordinate with NWS and other officials should conditions change.

Gilma is forecast to become a post-tropical (no thunderstorms) system near the state tonight and is expected to dissipate near Kauaʻi on Saturday.

Also to the east of the state, remnants of Hector dissipated overnight and should bring warm dew-point temperatures, higher humidity and an increase of showers Sunday, according to NWS. High dew points will make temperatures feel warmer than normal.

MEMA encourages people to stay informed and be prepared for potential storms as Hawaiʻi's Hurricane Season lasts through Nov. 30.

"Recent Hurricane Hone, and now Gilma and Hector systems, are important reminders to prepare and be ready for when storms hit," MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said. "We are not out of the woods when it comes to hurricane season, and now is the time to be proactive by gathering an emergency kit, creating a plan and getting connected to official information."

For more information on emergency preparedness and to sign up for alerts from MEMA, visit https://www.mauicounty.gov/MEMA. Sign up for Maui Police Department Road Closure notifications at bit.ly/MauiRoadClosure.

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