Tools used to trap ash and debris and filter out potential contaminants before they entered the storm drain system proved helpful, according to the Department of Public Works.
Eddie Tam Memorial Center in Makawao will open at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30, as an emergency shelter for those stranded by the Piʻilani Highway closure in East Maui.
A kona low west of the islands will bring a continued threat for heavy rain and flooding along with isolated thunderstorms today, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS reports that conditions will gradually improve over the weekend with stable trade wind weather expected for the first half of next week.
The National Weather Service has extended the Flash Flood Warning for the island of Maui until 12:30 p.m. At 9:19 a.m., radar showed heavy rain continuing over the east and southeast slopes of Haleakalā. The highest rain rates were 1 to 2 inches between Keʻanae and Hāna.
Specifically, Lahaina customers within and near the burn zone are asked to reduce toilet flushing, bathing, washing clothes and cleaning dishes. Doing so will safeguard the system against potential sewage spills.