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Hawaii eyes Tropical Storm Flossie
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HILO, Hawaii – As Tropical Storm Flossie approaches the Hawaiian Islands from the eastern Pacific Ocean, the Aloha State is keeping en eye on things. So far, the National Weather Service is predicting that Flossie will weaken as it moves into cooler waters closer to the islands this weekend, but it is possible that the […]

Courtesy National Weather Service

Courtesy National Weather Service

HILO, Hawaii – As Tropical Storm Flossie approaches the Hawaiian Islands from the eastern Pacific Ocean, the Aloha State is keeping en eye on things.

So far, the National Weather Service is predicting that Flossie will weaken as it moves into cooler waters closer to the islands this weekend, but it is possible that the state will still see heavy rain Monday and Tuesday.

From the National Weather Service Forecast Discussion issued earlier today:

National Weather ServiceNational Weather Service

“Flossie has become a little better organized during the past several hours with a more symmetrical central dense overcast and better defined central features on microwave images. The initial intensity is set to 50 kt… A blend of the objective and subjective Dvorak classifications and AMSU estimates. A gradual weakening of Flossie should commence tomorrow as it moves over cooler waters… Into drier air aloft… And light to moderate shear. Model guidance is in good agreement with this scenario… And the official intensity forecast is basically an update of the previous one. All of the global models… And the official forecast… Now show Flossie dissipating west of the Hawaiian islands by 120h due to strong southwesterly shear.

Flossie continues moving to the west-northwest… Now 285/17. There has been no change to the synoptic reasoning with a firm ridge to the north of the cyclone. The storm should gradually turn to the west in 24-48h as the ridge strengthens somewhat. The latest guidance has shifted a little south… But is now tightly clustered around the previous official forecast. Thus… No significant changes have been made to the nhc track forecast. ”
Courtesy National Weather Service

Courtesy National Weather Service

The National Weather Service also wrote up a Hydrologic Outlook for Hawaii, alerting to the possibility of
heavy rains and flooding early next week.

National Weather ServiceNational Weather Service

“…The national weather service in Honolulu has issued a flood potential outlook for the state of Hawaii…

…Heavy rain and flash flooding possible Monday and Tuesday…

The latest forecast for tropical storm Flossie takes the system over the island chain early next week as a weakening tropical cyclone. While Flossie is expected to remain moving steadily west as it passes through the island chain… Abundant tropical moisture drawn into the circulation will bring the potential for very heavy rainfall and flash flooding for parts of the state on Monday and Tuesday.

The details on the timing and location of the heavy rain remain uncertain… And are highly dependent on the eventual track of Flossie. Please stay tuned to NOAA weather radio or local media for further information.

An updated outlook will be issued by 4 a.m. HST Saturday… Or sooner if necessary.”

With the movement of Tropical Storm Flossie into Hawaiian waters, Hawaii Electric Light Company is urging all of its customers to review their preparations for emergencies. The following media release was issued on Friday:

The best time to prepare for an emergency is before one occurs. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Gather emergency supplies, such as a battery-powered radio, flashlights, lanterns, and batteries. Store enough non-perishable food, water, and medicine for your family members and pets to last seven days.
  • Before a storm hits or if there is a power outage, unplug all unnecessary electric equipment and appliances until the storm has passed or until power is firmly restored.
  • Take time now to plan where you will take shelter if your home is subject to coastal storm surges or inland flooding. You can get a list of emergency shelters in your area from the Hawaii State Civil Defense Agency at scd.hawaii.gov, or call 733-4300. As a tropical storm approaches, listen to emergency TV and radio broadcasts to learn which shelters have been opened. Should you need to evacuate, take emergency supplies and remember to shut off electricity at the main breaker or switch.
  • Make plans in advance to go to a safe location where electricity will be available if someone in your home depends on an electrically powered life support system and you don’t have a backup generator. Some shelters are designed for people with health needs—just remember to take your own medical equipment and medications.
  • Plan to seek safe shelter for your pets. During a tropical storm, pets may not be safe outdoors in doghouses or pens.

Hawaii Electric Light’s free “Information Handbook for Emergency Preparedness” includes these tips and more. It can be downloaded at hawaiielectriclight.com.

The handbook includes key numbers to have on hand, checklists for emergency supplies such as a home survival kit and first aid kit, electrical safety information, power outage preparedness and recovery, household and food safety tips, and references and links to related resources such as the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the civil defense agencies.

Those without internet access may receive a free copy of the handbook by visiting Hawaii Electric Light’s customer service locations in Hilo, Kona, and Waimea or by calling 969-0137.