Hurricane Douglas: Hurricane Watch for Oahu, Hawaii, Maui (5pm July 24)

* STORM INFORMATION:

- About 870 miles east-southeast of Honolulu or about 660 miles

east of Hilo

- 17.9N 145.1W

- Storm Intensity 115 mph

- Movement West-northwest or 295 degrees at 20 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW

------------------

Hurricane Douglas may bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and

high surf to parts of the state this weekend and possibly into Monday.

Some impacts from Douglas could be experienced as early as Saturday

night, mainly over the eastern end of the island chain. Douglas may

move directly over portions of the state on Sunday.

While Maui and the Big Island would be first to experience impacts, do not focus on the exact track forecast track or intensity of Douglas at this time, and

be prepared for changes in future forecasts.

Damaging winds may begin as early as Saturday night across parts of

Maui and the Big Island, possibly spreading westward to the rest of

the state on Sunday. It is important to note that the mountainous

terrain of the islands can produce localized areas of highly enhanced

winds, even well away from the tropical cyclone center.

Flooding rain will be possible as early as Saturday night on Maui and

the Big Island, and chances for flooding will increase for much of the

state on Sunday. The flood threat could persist into Monday for some

islands. Storm total rainfall of 6 to 10 inches, locally to 15 inches,

will be possible. While the highest rainfall will favor windward

areas, leeward areas could also experience flooding.

Large swells arriving ahead of Douglas will produce dangerous surf

along east and southeast facing shores, especially on the Big Island

and Maui. Large and rough seas will build rapidly Saturday night and

Sunday on exposed east and southeast facing shores and may produce

damaging surf, significant beach erosion, and overwash onto vulnerable

coastal roads, particularly during high tide.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS

-----------------

* WIND:

Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across

the State of Hawaii. Potential impacts in this area 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.

* SURGE:

Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts

across the State of Hawaii. Potential impacts in this area

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.

* FLOODING RAIN:

Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible

devastating impacts across the State of Hawaii. Potential

impacts include:

- Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and

rescues.

- Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks

in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks,

canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In

mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while

increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood

control systems and barriers may become stressed.

- Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple

communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed

away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape

routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water

with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very

dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened

or washed out.

* TORNADOES:

Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across the Hawaiian islands.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:

Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions,including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately.

For those not under evacuation orders, assess the risk from wind, falling trees, and flooding at your location. If you decide to move, relocate to a safer location nearby. If you do not relocate, help keep roadways open for those under evacuation orders.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies

kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your

home or business.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the

exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging

wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the

center of the storm.

Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders that

are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of

others.

When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded

as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of

strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness

activities to become unsafe.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast.

* 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 1130 PM HST, or sooner if conditions warrant.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content