CURRENT WEATHER ALERTS & WATCHES FOR HAWAI’I ISLAND

HLSHFO This product covers the Hawaiian islands **HURRICANE WARNING IN EFFECT FOR KAUAI COUNTY AND TROPICAL STORM WATCH ISSUED FOR OAHU** NEW INFORMATION ————— * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: – A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Central Oahu, East Honolulu, Ewa Plain, Honolulu Metro, Koolau Leeward, Koolau Windward, Oahu North Shore, Olomana, Waianae Coast, and Waianae Mountains * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: – A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Kauai East, Kauai Mountains, Kauai North, Kauai South, Kauai Southwest, and Niihau – A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Central Oahu, East Honolulu, Ewa Plain, Honolulu Metro, Koolau Leeward, Koolau Windward, Oahu North Shore, Olomana, Waianae Coast, and Waianae Mountains * STORM INFORMATION: – About 370 miles southwest of Lihue – 17.5N 162.6W – Storm Intensity 115 mph – Movement North-northeast or 25 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW —————— At 5 AM HST, the eye of major Hurricane Lowell was located about 375 miles southwest of Lihue. Lowell has maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, and is moving NNE at 14 mph. Lowell is expected to accelerate through Tuesday while gradually weakening. The current track of Lowell has shifted farther east, putting the closest approach of the eye of Lowell roughly 50 miles west of Niihau Monday night into Tuesday. Winds will gradually strengthen locally through today, reaching hurricane strength (sustained 74 mph or higher) this evening on Kauai and Niihau as the eastern side of Lowell’s circulation passes just west Niihau. Current track forecast and trends have Lowell shifting farther east, closer to Niihau. If this trend continues, Niihau and Kauai could experience winds and/or gusts of hurricane strength or greater (sustained 74 mph or higher), especially where terrain enhances wind speeds. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Niihau and Kauai. With winds peaking tonight, plan to have your preparations for damaging winds complete by midday. The strongest gusts over Kauai and Niihau are expected where winds are accelerated by terrain. A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for Oahu, as winds to tropical storm strength (sustained 39 mph to 73 mph) are now more likely due to the eastward shift in the track. A very large shield of deep tropical moisture surrounding Lowell is now well-established over the main Hawaiian islands, increasing the threat of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms. Squally downpours could lead to flash flooding and/or mudslides, especially in steep terrain. Rainbands could become persistent and anchored in some areas, exacerbating the flash flood threat. The risk of flash flooding and mudslides is greatest for Kauai and Niihau, but also exists for all other islands due to the extent of the moisture associated with Lowell. Over 15 inches of rain is possible over portions of Kauai, mainly over the interior mountains. A foot or more is possible over southeast Big Island. Surf is expected to rapidly build through today and into tonight along south and west facing shores. A High Surf Warning is in effect for all islands for south-facing shores, and also west-facing shores of the Big Island, through tonight. Dangerously large surf and coastal inundation are expected along the immediate coast of exposed south- and west-facing shores, particularly Niihau, Kauai and possibly Oahu. The highest surf may reach 20 to 30 feet on Kauai and Niihau by tonight before diminishing Tuesday. Extra large surf, on top of 1 to 3 feet of storm surge and peak afternoon high tides, will generate major wave run-up and coastal inundation along exposed low lying areas of south- and west-facing shores, particularly for Niihau and Kauai, and possibly for Oahu. This afternoon, conditions will become favorable for fast-moving, short-lived waterspouts and tornadoes in the rainbands associated with Lowell, especially near Kauai and Niihau. This threat will continue into tonight, then diminish quickly Tuesday morning. POTENTIAL IMPACTS —————– * WIND: Protect against life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts across Niihau and Kauai. Potential impacts in this area include: – Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks. – Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over. – Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. – Large areas with power and communications outages. Also, protect against dangerous wind having possible limited to significant impacts across Oahu. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible extensive impacts across Niihau and Kauai. Potential impacts include: – Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. – Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. – Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across all other islands. * SURGE: Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts across Niihau and Kauai. Potential impacts in this area include: – Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast. – Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots. – Major beach erosion with heavy surf overtopping nearby roadways. – Moderate damage to marinas, docks, and piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages. Elsewhere across the Hawaiian islands, little to no impact is anticipated. * TORNADOES: Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across Niihau and Kauai. Potential impacts include: – The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. – Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. – Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across the rest of the main Hawaiian Islands from Oahu to the Big Island. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ———————————- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather forecast before departing and drive with caution. If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making. Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area. It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter. If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities. Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed evacuation orders issued by the local authorities. Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don’t drown! If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options. If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of strong winds or flooding. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. * 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 11 AM HST, or sooner if conditions warrant.

…HIGH SURF WARNING FOR SOUTH FACING SHORES OF ALL ISLANDS THROUGH TUESDAY… …HIGH SURF WARNING FOR WEST FACING SHORES OF BIG ISLAND THROUGH TUESDAY… …HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR EAST FACING SHORES OF ALL ISLANDS THROUGH TUESDAY… South-southwest swell from Hurricane Lowell is expected to rise rapidly today and peak tonight, bringing warning level surf to south facing shores. This swell may shift out of the southwest by tonight. A sharp gradient in swell is expected from west to east, with damaging surf for portions of Kauai County and possibly Oahu. Swell energy is expected to rapidly decline on Tuesday, though advisory level surf may persist through Tuesday morning. A large, medium-period east swell from former Tropical Storm Karina will also persist through Tuesday and combine with increasing east to southeast wind swell from Hurricane Lowell, producing advisory level surf along east facing shores. * WHAT…For south facing shores, surf of 7 to 10 feet rapidly building Monday afternoon and evening up to 15 to 25 feet for Oahu, 12 to 20 feet for Maui County, and 12 to 16 feet for the Big Island. For west facing shores of the Big Island, surf of 6 to 8 feet rapidly building Monday afternoon and evening to 12 to 16 feet. * WHERE…South facing shores of Kahoolawe, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu and the Big Island. West facing shores of the Big Island. * WHEN…Until 6 PM HST Tuesday. * IMPACTS…Very High…Expect ocean water surging and sweeping across beaches, coastal benches, and lava flows creating the potential for impacts to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways. Powerful longshore and rip currents will be present at most beaches. Large breaking waves and strong currents may impact harbor entrances and channels causing challenging boat handling. INSTRUCTIONS: Stay away from the shoreline along the affected coasts. Be prepared for road closures. Postpone entering or leaving channels affected by the high surf until the surf subsides.

…HIGH SURF WARNING FOR SOUTH FACING SHORES OF ALL ISLANDS THROUGH TUESDAY… …HIGH SURF WARNING FOR WEST FACING SHORES OF BIG ISLAND THROUGH TUESDAY… …HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR EAST FACING SHORES OF ALL ISLANDS THROUGH TUESDAY… South-southwest swell from Hurricane Lowell is expected to rise rapidly today and peak tonight, bringing warning level surf to south facing shores. This swell may shift out of the southwest by tonight. A sharp gradient in swell is expected from west to east, with damaging surf for portions of Kauai County and possibly Oahu. Swell energy is expected to rapidly decline on Tuesday, though advisory level surf may persist through Tuesday morning. A large, medium-period east swell from former Tropical Storm Karina will also persist through Tuesday and combine with increasing east to southeast wind swell from Hurricane Lowell, producing advisory level surf along east facing shores. * WHAT…Surf of 7 to 10 feet. * WHERE…East facing shores of Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Big Island. * WHEN…Until 6 PM HST Tuesday. * IMPACTS…Moderate. Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming dangerous. INSTRUCTIONS: Heed all advice from ocean safety officials. When in doubt, don’t go out.

Moisture along the eastern flank of Hurricane Lowell will bring periods of heavy rain to the main Hawaiian Islands through Tuesday. * WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE…Oahu, Maui County, Big Island * WHEN…Through Tuesday afternoon. * IMPACTS…Flood prone roads and other low lying areas may be closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams. Urban areas may receive more significant flooding and property damage due to rapid runoff. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS… – Moisture along the eastern flank of Hurricane Lowell will bring periods of heavy rain to the main Hawaiian islands through Tuesday. INSTRUCTIONS: You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

HLSHFO This product covers the Hawaiian islands **LOWELL MOVING NORTH-NORTHEASTWARD AND APPROACHING THE WESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS** NEW INFORMATION ————— * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: – The Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning have been upgraded to a Hurricane Warning for Kauai East, Kauai Mountains, Kauai North, Kauai South, Kauai Southwest, and Niihau * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: – A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Kauai East, Kauai Mountains, Kauai North, Kauai South, Kauai Southwest, and Niihau * STORM INFORMATION: – About 450 miles southwest of Lihue or about 480 miles southwest of Honolulu – 16.5N 163.2W – Storm Intensity 115 mph – Movement North-northeast or 20 degrees at 10 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW —————— At 11 PM HST, the eye of major Hurricane Lowell was located about 450 miles south-southwest of Kauai. Lowell has maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, and is moving NNE at 9 mph. Lowell is expected to accelerate tonight through Tuesday while gradually weakening. The current track of Lowell has shifted slightly farther east now putting the closet approach of the eye of Lowell roughly 75 to 95 miles west of Niihau Monday night into Tuesday. Winds will gradually strengthen locally through Monday, reaching hurricane strength (sustained 74 mph or higher) Monday evening on Kauai and Niihau as the eastern side of Lowell’s circulation passes just west Niihau. Current track forecast and trends have Lowell shifting farther east, closer to Niihau. A Hurricane Warning is now in effect for Niihau and Kauai. With winds peaking Monday night, plan to have your preparations for damaging winds complete by midday. The strongest gusts over Kauai and Niihau are expected where winds are accelerated by terrain. A very large shield of deep tropical moisture surrounding Lowell is spreading northward over the main Hawaiian islands from south to north, increasing showers and bringing isolated thunderstorms. Squally downpours could lead to flash flooding and/or mudslides, especially in steep terrain. Rainbands could become persistent and anchored in some areas, which would exacerbate the flash flood threat. The risk of flash flooding and mudslides is greatest for Kauai and Niihau, but also exists for all other islands due to the extent of the moisture associated with Lowell. Over a foot of rain is possible over portions of Kauai, mainly over the interior mountains. Surf is expected to rapidly build through Monday along south and west facing shores. A High Surf Warning is in effect for all islands for south-facing shores, and also west-facing shores of the Big Island, through Monday night. Dangerously large surf and coastal inundation are expected along the immediate coast of exposed south and west facing shores, particularly Niihau, Kauai and possibly Oahu. The highest surf may reach 20 to 30 feet on Kauai and Niihau by Monday night before diminishing on Tuesday. Extra large surf, on top of 1 to 3 feet of storm surge and peak afternoon high tides, will generate major wave run-up and coastal inundation along exposed low lying areas of south- and west-facing shores, particularly for Niihau and Kauai, and possibly for Oahu. Monday afternoon, conditions will become favorable for fast-moving, short-lived waterspouts and tornadoes in the rainbands associated with Lowell, especially near Kauai and Niihau. This threat will continue into Monday night, then diminish quickly Tuesday morning. POTENTIAL IMPACTS —————– * WIND: Protect against life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts across Niihau and Kauai. Potential impacts in this area include: – Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks. – Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over. – Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. – Large areas with power and communications outages. Also, protect against dangerous wind having possible limited to significant impacts across Oahu. Elsewhere across the Hawaiian islands, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible extensive impacts across Niihau and Kauai. Potential impacts include: – Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. – Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. – Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across the rest of the main Hawaiian Islands from Oahu to the Big Island. * SURGE: Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across Niihau and Kauai. 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. Elsewhere across the Hawaiian islands, little to no impact is anticipated. * TORNADOES: Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across Niihau and Kauai. Potential impacts include: – The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. – Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. – Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across the rest of the main Hawaiian Islands from Oahu to the Big Island. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ———————————- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather forecast before departing and drive with caution. If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making. Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area. It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter. If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities. Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed evacuation orders issued by the local authorities. Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don’t drown! If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options. If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of strong winds or flooding. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. * 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 5 AM HST, or sooner if conditions warrant.

* WHAT…Southeast winds up to 30 kt and seas up to 14 feet. * WHERE…Kaiwi Channel, Maui County Windward Waters, Maui County Leeward Waters, Maalaea Bay, Pailolo Channel, Alenuihaha Channel, Big Island Windward Waters, Big Island Leeward Waters and Big Island Southeast Waters. * WHEN…Until 6 PM HST Tuesday. * IMPACTS…Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. INSTRUCTIONS: Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.

* WHAT…Tropical storm conditions. * WHERE…Oahu Windward Waters and Oahu Leeward Waters. * WHEN…Until Tuesday afternoon. * IMPACTS…Very strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. INSTRUCTIONS: Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions.