HILO, Hawaii – The tropical Storm warning continues for Hawaii County as Flossie begins to pass over the islands. Over the last hour, a still and humid day in Hilo has become considerably more windy.

Only 65 miles north-northwest of Hilo as of 11 a.m., the National Weather Service says Flossie is a minimal tropical storm at this point, with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour.

In its 11 a.m. discussion, the National Weather Service says:

National Weather Service

“Visible satellite imagery shows that the center of Flossie is exposed to the north northwest of the deepest convection. Current intensity estimates indicate that Flossie is a minimal tropical storm at this time. Continued weakening is expected as shear and interaction with mountainous terrain on Maui and the big island impact the system. Flossie is forecast to weaken to a depression within the next 12 hours and become a remnant low within 48 hours. The track guidance is tightly clustered with most models indicating a west to west northwest track over the next several days. The current forecast track has changed little from the previous forecast and follows along with most guidance. This would bring the system over Maui county later today or early tonight and pass by just south of Oahu and Kauai county later tonight and Tuesday.”

We spoke to Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi, who was up all night tracking the storm with Hawaii County Civil Defense personnel. He gave us an update around 10:00 a.m.

Flossie is tracking north of Hawaii Island, but that doenst mean Hawaii Island is letting down its guard.

Courtesy NWS

Meanwhile, rainfall amounts have been adjusted for Hawaii Island. Flossie is expected to produce total rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches over the Big Island with isolated amounts up to 6 inches. Still, the weather service says this rainfall could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides, especially in the mountains.

Dangerously high surf is also affecting east facing shores of Maui and the Big Island.

Hawaii Police Department reports trees down on Highway 132 near the Lava Tree Park. Traffic is being detoured through Leilani Estates. Motorists advised to exercise caution and to avoid the area if possible. Storm conditions are expected to continue and all travel should be postponed if possible.