Tropical Cyclone Local Statement for Niihau; Kauai Southwest; Kauai Mountains +40 more

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HLSHFO This product covers the Hawaiian islands **HEAVY RAINFALL AND GUSTY WINDS SPREADING OVER OAHU** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Big Island East, Big Island Interior, Big Island North, Big Island South, Big Island Southeast, Big Island Summits, Central Oahu, East Honolulu, Ewa Plain, Haleakala Summit, Honolulu Metro, Kahoolawe, Kauai East, Kauai Mountains, Kauai North, Kauai South, Kauai Southwest, Kipahulu, Kohala, Kona, Koolau Leeward, Koolau Windward, Lanai Leeward, Lanai Mauka, Lanai South, Lanai Windward, Maui Central Valley North, Maui Central Valley South, Maui Leeward West, Maui Windward West, Molokai Leeward South, Molokai North, Molokai Southeast, Molokai West, Molokai Windward, Niihau, Oahu North Shore, Olomana, South Haleakala, South Maui/Upcountry, Waianae Coast, Waianae Mountains, and Windward Haleakala * STORM INFORMATION: About 80 miles south of Honolulu or about 140 miles west-northwest of Kailua-Kona 20.2N 158.1W Storm Intensity 70 mph Movement Northwest or 305 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Lala continues to bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, and high surf to portions of the state. Heavy rain associated with the tropical storm has spread across Maui County into Oahu this morning and is expected to reach Kauai later this morning. Rain rates are decreasing for the Big Island. The center of Tropical Storm Lala is now located south of Oahu and will continue generally westward as it tracks south of the island chain today. Do not focus on the exact forecast track or intensity of Lala as impacts extend well beyond the center of the tropical storm. The heaviest rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Lala moved over the islands of Lanai and Molokai over the past several hours and is now moving into Oahu. The eastern and southern Big Island has seen rainfall totals between 15 to 35 inches over the last 24 hours, but rain rates have generally decreased to one inch per hour or less. The threat for flooding continues for the Big Island and Maui County, is beginning for Oahu, and will spread to Kauai and Niihau later this morning. Heavy rainfall could persist into Monday for some areas, mainly over the western end of the island chain. Lala is expected to produce additional rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches across the Big Island with 4 to 6 additional inches of rain for the smaller islands. Locally higher amounts are possible. While the highest rainfall amounts will be focused over windward areas and higher terrain, leeward areas will also have a significant flood risk. Sustained winds are generally 20 to 30 mph, with isolated mountain and downslope locations, particularly on Molokai, experiencing gusts of 60 to 70 mph. A wind gust of 92 mph was recently observed at Mokolelau on southern Molokai. Tropical storm conditions, with sustained winds over 39 mph, are still expected across the state through this evening. It is very important to note that the mountainous terrain of the islands will likely produce localized areas of highly enhanced and damaging winds, even well away from the tropical cyclone center. East swell generated by Lala will produce elevated surf for east facing shores today. Some increase in surf is also possible along exposed south-facing shores today between Maui and Kauai as Lala continues westward. Significant beach erosion and overwash are still possible across vulnerable coastal infrastructure. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai. Remain well sheltered from dangerous wind having additional significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines. Potential impacts from the main wind event are also now unfolding across the Big Island. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having additional limited impacts. * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui County, and Oahu. Remain well guarded against dangerous flood waters having additional significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches overflow. Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures. Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across the rest of the state. Remain well guarded against locally hazardous flood waters having additional limited impacts. * SURGE: Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across Oahu and Kauai. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore. Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where surge water covers the road. Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents. Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. Elsewhere across the Hawaiian islands, little to no impact is anticipated. * TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai. Remain well braced against a tornado event having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings. Elsewhere across the Hawaiian islands, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy. During the peak of the storm be ready to move quickly. Keep your shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather. Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins. Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos. Quickly move to the safest place within your shelter if it begins to fail, preferably an interior room on the lowest floor as long as flooding is not a concern. If you are prone to flooding, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic rise in water levels. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Honolulu HI around 8 AM HST, or sooner if conditions warrant.