A tropical storm warning has been issued for Maui County. The upgrade from “watch” to “warning” means that tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area within 36 hours. A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for the Big Island earlier today. The entire state remains under a Tropical Storm Watch until Saturday. That, too, may be extended if Hurricane Julio remains on its current path.
HURRICANE ISELLE – This image from space shows a slightly obscured eye wall – but Iselle remains a Category 1 hurricane – aimed right at the Big Island. Click to enlarge. (NASA Photo)
EFFECTS: Tropical storm conditions are expected for Maui County Thursday night.
Swells generated by Iselle will reach the main Hawaiian Islands today, with large damaging surf expected along mainly east and south shores starting late tonight or Thursday.
Iselle is expected to produce rainfall amounts of 5 to 8 inches, with isolated maximum amounts to 12 inches. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and rock and mud slides.
The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters. The surge will be accompanied by large and damaging waves. Surge related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS ALSO IN EFFECT FOR THE STATE OF HAWAII FROM THURSDAY, 4:00 AM TO SATURDAY, 6:00 AM.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: IT IS VITAL THAT YOU DO NOT FOCUS ON THE EXACT FORECAST TRACK. FORECAST MOVEMENT, DIRECTION, AND SPEED ARE ONLY ESTIMATES. EVEN SMALL ERRORS IN THE FORECAST TRACK CAN MEAN MAJOR DIFFERENCES IN WHERE THE WORST CONDITIONS WILL OCCUR. DAMAGING EFFECTS CAN EXTEND FAR FROM THE CENTER.
NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE. STAY CALM AND KEEP INFORMED. CLOSELY MONITOR RADIO OR OTHER LOCAL NEWS OUTLETS FOR OFFICIAL STORM INFORMATION. LISTEN FOR WARNINGS OR CHANGES TO THE FORECAST.
LOOSE OBJECTS SUCH AS LAWN FURNITURE, GARBAGE CANS, AND OTHER ITEMS SHOULD BE SECURED OR STORED INDOORS. HAVE SUPPLIES ON HAND AND BE READY FOR POWER OUTAGES.
BE READY TO EVACUATE IF NECESSARY. HEED THE ADVICE OF LOCAL OFFICIALS AND COMPLY WITH ANY ORDERS THAT ARE ISSUED. PERSONS LIVING NEAR THE SHORE SHOULD BE PREPARED TO EVACUATE QUICKLY SHOULD BUILDING SURF THREATEN.
INFORMATION: Maui Civil Defense Agency will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl .
Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200.
