Tropical Cyclone Local Statement

HLSHFO

This product covers the Hawaiian islands

**LIFE-THREATENING WINDS AND FLOODING RAIN EXPAND OVER THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII AS LALA NEARS**

NEW INFORMATION ---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Big Island East, Big Island Interior, Big Island North, Big Island South, Big Island Southeast, Big Island Summits, Kohala, and Kona - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Oahu, East Honolulu, Ewa Plain, Haleakala Summit, Honolulu Metro, Kahoolawe, Kauai East, Kauai Mountains, Kauai North, Kauai South, Kauai Southwest, Kipahulu, Koolau Leeward, Koolau Windward, Lanai Leeward, Lanai Mauka, Lanai South, Lanai Windward, Maui Central Valley North, Maui Central Valley South, Maui Leeward West, Maui Windward West, Molokai Leeward South, Molokai North, Molokai Southeast, Molokai West, Molokai Windward, Niihau, Oahu North Shore, Olomana, South Haleakala, South Maui/Upcountry, Waianae Coast, Waianae Mountains, and Windward Haleakala

* STORM INFORMATION: - About 280 miles southeast of Honolulu or about 120 miles south-southeast of Kailua-Kona - 18.2N 155.2W - Storm Intensity 75 mph - Movement Northwest or 305 degrees at 8 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Lala will bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, and dangerously high surf to portions of the state this weekend. Impacts have already begun over portions of the Big Island of Hawaii, with impacts expected to spread westward across Maui County this afternoon, Oahu this afternoon into the evening, and Kauai tonight. Lala is expected to pass near or make landfall over the southern end of the Big Island of Hawaii this afternoon and pass just south of the rest of the island chain through Sunday. Damaging winds and heavy rainfall are expected across the entire state this weekend, with the Big Island of Hawaii likely seeing the greatest impacts. Do not focus on the exact forecast track or intensity of Lala at this time, and be prepared for changes in future forecasts.

Damaging tropical storm force winds will increase across parts of the Big Island of Hawaii and Maui County, with hurricane force winds possible as Lala moves near or over the Big Island today. Damaging winds are expected to spread westward to Oahu and Kauai later this evening and into Sunday. It is very important to note that the mountainous terrain of the islands will likely produce localized areas of highly enhanced and damaging winds, even well away from the tropical cyclone center.

Flooding rain will continue to increase on the Big Island of Hawaii throughout the day today as Lala approaches. The threat for flooding will also increase over Maui County today and spread to the rest of the state this evening and Sunday. Heavy rainfall could persist into Monday for some areas, mainly over the western end of the island chain. Lala is expected to produce rainfall totals of 10 to 20 inches, with locally higher amounts possibly up to 25 inches, across windward Big Island. Rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches are possible on windward Maui and up to 8 inches of rainfall could occur across the remainder of the island chain. While the highest rainfall amounts will be focused over windward areas, leeward areas will also have a significant flood risk.

Large swells generated by Lala will peak today into tonight and produce dangerous surf along exposed east and southeast shores of all islands. Very large and extremely rough seas impacting the exposed southeast and east shores of the Big Island are expected to expand to Maui later today, and then Oahu and Kauai by late tonight. Damaging surf, significant beach erosion, and overwash across vulnerable coastal infrastructure is possible.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS -----------------

* WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across the Big Island of Hawaii. Remain well sheltered from life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts. If realized, these impacts 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.

Potential impacts from the main wind event are also now unfolding across the rest of the state. Remain well sheltered from dangerous wind having possible limited to significant impacts.

* SURGE: Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across the Big Island of Hawaii. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts 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: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across the Big Island of Hawaii. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having possible extensive impacts. If realized, these 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.

Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across the rest of the state. Remain well guarded against dangerous flood waters having possible limited to significant impacts.

* TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across the Hawaiian islands. Remain well braced against a tornado event having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:

Follow the advice of local officials

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

During the peak of the storm be ready to move quickly. Keep your shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather.

Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins.

Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos.

Quickly move to the safest place within your shelter if it begins to fail, preferably an interior room on the lowest floor as long as flooding is not a concern.

If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge watch or warning, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic rise in water levels.

* 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 PM HST, or sooner if conditions warrant.