2 P.M. UPDATE: Flood Warning Extended, Conditions to Improve

The latest update on Tropical Storm Ana was just released by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Ana is still a Category 1 Hurricane with 80 mph maximum sustained winds. Ana is moving to the northwest at 13 mph with hurricane force winds extending 25 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extending 105 miles from the center.

The center of Tropical Storm Ana was last located near 19.6 N and 158.9 W, about 255 miles west-southwest of Hilo; 190 miles west of Kailua-Kona, and 215 miles west-northwest of South Point.

A continued decrease in forward speed will occur this afternoon with a gradual turn to the west-northwest expected tonight. A further turn toward the west is expected on Sunday. On the forecast track, the center of Ana will pass about 140 miles southwest of Oahu this afternoon, about 125 miles southwest of Kauai tonight, and 105 miles south of Niihau tonight and Sunday.

Radar at 2:30pm, Image: NOAA

Latest Advisory

A Marine Weather Statement has been issued for Hawaiian coastal waters. Satellite and radar observations indicate isolated and strong thunderstorms forming across mainly leeward coastal waters at this time. These thunderstorms are associated with outer rain bands of Hurricane Ana. The threat of thunderstorms will persist overnight as Ana passes south of Kauai and Oahu.

Mariners can expect locally erratic and gusty winds up to 35 mph (30 knots), locally higher waves, reduced visibility, and dangerous lightning strikes.

Thunderstorms can produce waterspouts with little or no notice. Frequent lightning will also accompany these storms.

If caught on the open water, stay below deck if possible and keep away from ungrounded metal objects. Boaters should seek safe harbor immediately until this storm passes.

Satellite at 2:30pm, Image: NOAA

Summary of Alerts

A Tropical Storm Watch for Hawai’i County has been cancelled.

At 3:00 p.m., the Flash Flood Warning for the Puna and Ka’u districts was extended to 6:00 p.m. Radar and satellite imagery continues to show heavy showers over portions of the Ka’u and Puna districts. Heavy showers will continue to stream into the Ka’u and Puna districts over the next 3 hours. A Flash Flood Warning means flash flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads and low-lying ares.

Southeast winds from 30 – 45 mph, gusting to 65 mph, are expected. Impacts include winds that can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. A wind advisory means that sustained winds of at least 30 mph or gusts of at least 50 mph are expected. Motorists should use extra caution.

HIGH SURF WARNING – Currently posted for Westerm shores of the Big Island through 6:00 p.m.

HIGH SURF ADVISORY – In effect for South shores of the Big Island until 6:00 p.m.

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY – Up for Big Island windward waters through 6:00 p.m.

FLASH FLOOD WATCH – Still in effect for the Big Island until 6:00 p.m. tonight.

Current Conditions and Observations

Conditions are expected to begin to taper off tonight.

Rainfall of up to 11.2 inches has been recorded. Gusts in the 25 – 45 mph range were also reported in South Kona, off Saddle Road, in Ocean View, and at South Point. Higher gusts than that were reported on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Highest wave heights have been reported at 15 foot faces.

Outer rain bands of Hurricane Ana may still bring showers and thunderstorms to the southeast side of the Big Island. At this point, the flooding threat is mainly due to rainfall that has already fallen and the runoff produced by those rains.

Continued Potential Impacts

Winds: Kau and South Kona may get winds from 15 to 25 mph, gusting to 35 mph tonight. Higher elevations of the Big Island could see wind numbers from 30 – 45 mph, gusting to 65 mph.

Rain: Rainfall rates of 4 to 6 inches, possibly up to a foot of rain along southeast facing slopes, are expected.

Surf: The Ana related surf has already peaked along the Puna and Ka’u coastlines. Elevated surf up to 12 ft is possible along the Kona coast today. Additional storm surge of 1 -2 feet for southeastern shores is possible.

Seas: Leeward waters of the Big Island can expect up to 35 mph winds with higher gusts. Off Cape Kumukahi, winds are expected from 20 – 30 mph with seas of 15 – 20 feet.