The NWS Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu issued a Hurricane Olivia update at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018.
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Hurricane Olivia continues to track toward the Hawaiian Islands.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Hawai‘i Couthy, Maui County and O‘ahu.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.
A Tropical Storm Warning may be required for some areas that are in the watch area on Monday.
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Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau should closely monitor the progress of Olivia.
At 8 p.m., the center of Hurricane Olivia was located near latitude 21.7 north, longitude 146.5 west, about 570 miles ENE of Hilo.
Olivia is moving toward the west near 11 mph. This general motion is expected to continue through early Monday, with some slowing in forward speed. A WSW motion is expected starting late
Monday. On the forecast track, the outer circulation of Olivia will likely approach the main Hawaiian Islands on Tuesday, with tropical storm conditions possible over some areas starting Tuesday night.
Maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast through Monday night, with gradual weakening possible starting some time on Tuesday.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles.
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HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
WIND: Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area starting Tuesday.
RAINFALL: Storm total rainfall amounts of 10 to 15 inches, with isolated amounts over 20 inches, are possibly associated with Olivia.
SURF: Large swells generated by Olivia are expected to continue to increase across the main Hawaiian Islands. Surf will build as Olivia approaches, and may become damaging on some exposed east-facing shores starting Tuesday or Wednesday.
5:24 p.m.: Tropical Storm Watch in Effect as Olivia Nears
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Tropical Storm Watch at 5:04 p.m. on Sept. 9, 2018.
A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm-force winds are possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours.
WIND: Peak winds are expected at 25 to 35 mph, with gusts to 55 mph. There is potential for wind 58 to 73 mph.
PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical storm force due to possible forecast changes in track, size or intensity. PREPARE: Efforts to protect life and property should now be underway. Prepare for significant wind damage. ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous.
POTENTIAL THREAT
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.
FLOODING RAIN: Peak rainfall amounts estimated at around 1 inch. There is potential for major
flooding rain.
PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely. PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS: EXTENSIVE
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.
TORNADOS: NOT EXPECTED
5 p.m.: Tropical Storm Watch in Effect as Olivia Nears
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Big Island interior, north, south, east and summits.
Category 1 Hurricane Olivia is about 590 miles ENE of Hilo with winds at 75 mph.
Olivia is moving west (270 degrees) at 12 mph.
It is too early to specify where the most significant impacts will occur. However, it is important to remember that the mountainous terrain of Hawaii can produce localized areas of strongly enhanced winds and rainfall, even well away from the tropical cyclone center.
SITUATION OVERVIEW
Damaging tropical storm force winds may begin in some parts of the islands as early as Tuesday afternoon and evening. Gusts over hurricane force are possible as Olivia moves across the island chain.
Hurricane Olivia is expected to continue moving to the west with a slight decrease in forward speed over the next 12 to 24 hours. A west- southwest motion is expected to begin later Monday. Based on the latest forecast track, Olivia will be approaching the main Hawaiian Islands later Tuesday and Tuesday night.
Large swells and surf generated by Hurricane Olivia will be the initial threat. Surf will continue building tonight through Tuesday as Olivia approaches, and may become damaging on some exposed east- facing shores later Tuesday or Wednesday as swell heights peak.
As Olivia gets closer to the islands, the chance for flooding rainfall increases as well, starting Tuesday. Preliminary storm total rainfall amounts are in the 10 to 15 inch range, with isolated areas up to 20 inches. Much of this rainfall will be focused on windward areas, many of which already received significant amounts of rain from recent Hurricane Lane. Therefore, flooding is anticipated to be a very significant threat, especially in those areas.
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 mainly across areas with north and east exposure in the state of Hawai‘i. 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
extensive impacts across the Hawaiian islands. 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.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
EVACUATIONS
Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately.
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.
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, plan to move to safe shelter.
If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground.
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.
Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for weathering the storm and your whereabouts. Have someone located away from the threatened area serve as your point of contact. Share vital contact information with others. Keep cell phones handy and charged.
Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations.
If you are a visitor, know the name of the county in which you are located and where it is relative to current watches and warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially pertaining to area visitors.
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
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