Tropical Cyclone Local Statement

HLSHFO

This product covers the Hawaiian islands

**LALA APPROACHING THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS AND IS EXPECTED TO BECOME A HURRICANE**

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 Haleakala Summit, Kahoolawe, Kipahulu, 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, South Haleakala, South Maui/Upcountry, and Windward Haleakala - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Central Oahu, East Honolulu, Ewa Plain, Honolulu Metro, Kauai East, Kauai Mountains, Kauai North, Kauai South, Kauai Southwest, Koolau Leeward, Koolau Windward, Niihau, Oahu North Shore, Olomana, Waianae Coast, and Waianae Mountains

* STORM INFORMATION: - About 540 miles east-southeast of Honolulu or about 320 miles east-southeast of Hilo - 17.2N 150.9W - Storm Intensity 60 mph - Movement West-northwest or 290 degrees at 14 mph

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

Tropical Storm Lala is expected strengthen to a hurricane and bring potentially damaging winds, heavy flooding rainfall, and dangerously high surf to portions of the state this weekend. Impacts are expected as early as tonight on the Big Island of Hawaii and possibly Maui late tonight into early tomorrow morning. Lala will then move over or just south of the Big Island of Hawaii on Saturday and pass just south of the rest of the island chain through Sunday. While the Big Island of Hawaii will likely experience the greatest impacts, damaging winds and heavy rainfall will be possible across the entire state this weekend. 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 may begin as early as tonight across parts of the Big Island of Hawaii and possibly Maui, with hurricane force winds possible as Lala moves near or over the Big Island Saturday. Damaging winds are expected to spread westward to the rest of the state Saturday and 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 be possible as early as tonight on the Big Island of Hawaii, and Saturday for Maui County. The threat of flooding will spread to the rest of the state later Saturday and Sunday, and 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 15 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 build tonight and produce dangerous surf along exposed east and southeast shores, mainly across the eastern end of the state. Very large and extremely rough seas are expected to rapidly increase Saturday on exposed southeast and east shores of the Big Island, where damaging surf, significant beach erosion, and overwash across vulnerable coastal infrastructure is possible.

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

* WIND: Protect against life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts across the Big Island of Hawaii and portions of Maui County. Potential impacts in this area 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.

Also, protect against dangerous wind having possible limited to significant impacts across Oahu and Kauai County.

* SURGE: Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts, mainly on southeast portions of the Big Island of Hawaii. 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: Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible extensive impacts across the Big Island of Hawaii and Maui County. 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.

Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible limited to significant impacts across Oahu and Kauai County.

* TORNADOES: Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across the Hawaiian islands. Potential 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: Listen to local officials for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuations. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.

Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area.

It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities.

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!

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, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of strong winds or flooding.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.

* 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 6 PM HST, or sooner if conditions warrant.