Hawaiʻi Island under Hurricane Watch as storm strengthens
Tropical Depression Fifteen-E is expected to produce rainfall totals of 15 to 20 inches across the Big Island, with maximum amounts of 35 inches.
Editorʻs Note: Updated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23.
At 11:01 a.m., Hawaiʻi County officials issued a Hurricane Watch for Hawaiʻi Island.
Tropical Depression Fifteen-E is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm later today, according to the latest advisory from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
About 320 miles south-southeast of South Point as of 5 a.m. on Wednesday, the advisory puts the system potentially making its closest approach to the Big Island on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Further strengthening into a hurricane is likely on Thursday, and it may become a major hurricane by this weekend.
The depression’s maximum sustained winds remain near 35 mph with higher gusts. The system is moving west-northwest at about 6 mph. This motion is expected for the next day or so.
A sharp turn to the north and north-northeast is expected on Thursday, with this motion continuing through the end of the week.
Rainfall
Tropical Depression Fifteen-E will produce rainfall totals of 15 to 20 inches across the Big Island, with maximum amounts of 35 inches. This rainfall may produce catastrophic, life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.
Rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches with maximum amounts of 20 inches expected across Maui.
Across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands, rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches, with maximum amounts of 6 inches, are expected, with isolated flooding possible.
Surf
Swells generated by Tropical Depression Fifteen-E are expected to reach the east and south-facing shores of the Big Island on Friday, spreading westward and building through the weekend.
These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
