Hawaii could face "catastrophic floods" through Tuesday

Public schools in Hawaii's Maui County are closed Monday due to potential flooding.

(CNN) -

The Hawaiian Islands could experience "catastrophic flooding" from a storm system that will last through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Honolulu.

Precipitation of between 10 and 15 inches is expected, with possible isolated zones of between 20 and 25 inches, according to the NWS.

Since Sunday, the NWS has issued flash flood warnings for all the islands of Maui and Molokai, along with the eastern half of the so-called Big Island.

Landslides are expected and, in some cases, roads could be closed due to flooding and landslides, leaving communities isolated.

"Rain events of this size can cause catastrophic flooding and affect areas that do not usually flood. Low points on highways will become dangerous and impassable due to the strong rush of water. Debris in streams and gullies can clog roads. bridges and culverts, causing dangerous flooding, "according to the NWS.

"Numerous landslides are expected in areas with sloping terrain. Urban areas, especially on Oahu, can experience severe flooding," the NWS warned.

"Isolated highways, such as the [so-called] Belt Highway in the Kau district of the Big Island, and the Piilani Highway in Maui, may be closed in one or more places, resulting in long detours or even isolation of roads. communities ".

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Schools closed in Hawaii

Public schools in Maui County are closed Monday due to potential flooding.

"Parts of Maui County are already experiencing flash flooding and power outages, causing unsafe conditions," Hawaii Public Schools said Sunday night.

Blizzard warnings remained in effect over the weekend for the Big Island's mountain peaks, where high winds and wintry weather temporarily closed access to the Mauna Loa summit last week.

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