National Weather Service Issues Flood Watches Across Hawaii and Arizona

Weather authorities issued extensive flood watches and warnings across multiple states this week, with the National Weather Service alerting residents in Hawaii and Arizona to dangerous conditions capable of triggering sudden flash floods. In the Hawaiian Islands, persistent downpours overwhelmed drainage basins, disrupted local schools, and shut down portions of major roadways. At the same time, meteorologists in the desert Southwest tracked back-to-back disturbance systems that brought flood watches to multiple central and northern Arizona counties.

On Maui, continuous heavy precipitation prompted forecasters to upgrade local advisories to an island-wide flash flood warning. Radar estimates showed rainfall accumulating at rates between 1 and 2 inches per hour along the eastern slopes of Haleakala, causing streams including Oheo Gulch to swell rapidly. The severe weather forced the closure of Hana High & Elementary School, while the state Department of Transportation dispatched road crews after a falling boulder blocked a lane along Hana Highway at mile marker 13.5. Communities throughout the island, including Hana, Makawao, and Kipahulu, faced ongoing hazards from overflowing waterways and mud.

Meteorologists maintained an active flood watch for Maui County and the Big Island as fresh rainfall fell onto saturated soil. Parts of East Maui had already recorded more than a foot of rain within a single 24-hour period, heightening the risk of rapid runoff and property damage in urban areas. Weather officials noted that northeast winds continued to drive the heaviest shower bands against windward mountain slopes, making precise localized accumulation predictions difficult while ensuring eastern terrain remained under significant flood threat.

The inclement weather extended across the broader island chain, with the National Weather Service placing the main Hawaiian Islands under a statewide flood watch from Tuesday morning through late Wednesday night. Meteorologists attributed the surge in atmospheric instability to deep tropical moisture pulled across the region by the remnants of Tropical Storm Olana, which was forecast to weaken into a tropical depression west of the state. In Honolulu, rain chances climbed to 90 percent, accompanied by warnings that afternoon thunderstorms could quickly submerge low-lying streets and low-water crossings.

Across the Pacific on the mainland, forecasters issued a separate flood watch for parts of Arizona as two consecutive storm systems approached the state. The National Weather Service placed Maricopa, Pinal, Yavapai, and Gila counties under flood watches for Friday. The watch was scheduled from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in portions of Maricopa County, including Phoenix, and Pinal County, while remaining active from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. across Yavapai and Gila counties. Forecasters cautioned that developing storms could produce damaging winds and large hail alongside localized flash flooding.

Central Arizona expected a brief lull on Saturday before a second, heavier round of soaking precipitation arrived Saturday night into Sunday. Forecast models indicated rainfall totals between half an inch and an inch across Phoenix on Friday, followed by an additional 0.75 to 1.5 inches over the weekend. Meanwhile, Arizona's High Country faced potential cumulative totals ranging from 2 to 4 inches or more. The cloud cover and moisture were projected to push Phoenix afternoon temperatures down to 75 degrees on Friday and 72 degrees by Sunday.

In both regions, emergency management agencies and public safety officials urged residents to exercise extreme caution near waterways and flooded corridors. Emphasizing the American Red Cross advisory to "turn around, don't drown," meteorologists reminded travelers that the majority of flood-related deaths occur inside vehicles attempting to cross submerged roads. Officials advised residents to monitor evolving local alerts, assemble emergency supplies, and avoid entering moving floodwaters on foot or by car.