Tropical Cyclone Local Statement

HLSHFO

This product covers the Hawaiian islands

**LALA CONTINUES TO MOVE WEST BRINGING GUSTY WINDS AND HEAVY RAIN TO OAHU, KAUAI, AND PARTS OF MAUI COUNTY**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - 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 140 miles west-southwest of Honolulu - 20.9N 160.0W - Storm Intensity 65 mph - Movement West-northwest or 285 degrees at 16 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------

Tropical Storm Lala continues to bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, and high surf to portions of the state. Heavy rain associated with the tropical storm has reached Kauai. Areas of heavy rain are still occurring in portions of Oahu and Maui County. Rain rates have decreased across the Big Island. The center of Tropical Storm Lala is located southwest of Oahu and will continue generally westward as it tracks south of the island chain today. Tropical Storm Warnings remain in effect for Maui County, Oahu, Kauai County and surrounding coastal waters. The Tropical Storm Warning for the Big Island was canceled with the 8 AM HST update. Impacts can extend well beyond the center of the tropical storm, so continue to stay aware of the latest forecast and current weather conditions today.

Over the past 3 hours the heaviest rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Lala occurred over the island of Oahu. 3 hourly rainfall totals on the windward side of Oahu have exceeded 2 inches in multiple locations. Outer rain bands from Lala have the potential to bring periods of heavy rain to Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai County through the afternoon. For the Big Island, rainfall rates have generally decreased to one inch per hour or less. Saturated soil from receiving 15 to 35 inches over the Big Island and 6 to 10 inches over Maui over last 24 hours will keep the flood threat elevated. Heavy rainfall may persist into Monday for some areas, mainly over the western end of the island chain. Lala is expected to produce additional rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches across the Big Island with 2 to 4, locally up to 6, additional inches of rain for the smaller islands. While the highest rainfall amounts will be focused over windward areas and higher terrain, leeward areas will also have a significant flood risk.

For Oahu, Maui County, and Kauai County sustained winds are generally 20 to 30 mph, with isolated mountain and downslope locations experiencing gusts of 40 to 60 mph. Winds at the lower elevations of the Big Island are mainly sustained 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Winds will remain elevated over the summits of the Big Island for the next several hours. Tropical storm conditions with sustained winds over 39 mph, will continue across western portions of the state through this evening. 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.

East swell generated by Lala will remain elevated this afternoon, decreasing from east to west this evening and tonight. Some increase in surf is also possible along exposed south-facing shores today between Maui and Kauai as Lala continues westward. Significant beach erosion and overwash are still possible across vulnerable coastal infrastructure.

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

* WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having additional limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages.

Elsewhere across the Hawaiian islands, little to no impact is anticipated.

* SURGE: Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across the Hawaiian islands.

* FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across Kauai, Oahu, and portions of Maui County. Remain well guarded against dangerous flood waters having additional impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.

Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across Kauai, Oahu, and parts of Maui County. Remain well guarded against locally hazardous flood waters having additional limited impacts.

* TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai. 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.

Elsewhere across the Hawaiian islands, little to no impact is anticipated.

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

* EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

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, 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 2 PM HST, or sooner if conditions warrant.