Tropical Cyclone Local Statement

HLSHFO

This product covers the Hawaiian islands

**HURRICANE WARNING FOR THE BIG ISLAND AND TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR MAUI COUNTY AS TROPICAL STORM LALA MOVES TOWARDS THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Hurricane Warning has been issued 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 Watch has been issued for 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

* 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 Watch 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

* STORM INFORMATION: - About 770 miles east-southeast of Honolulu or about 550 miles east-southeast of Hilo - 16.2N 147.5W - Storm Intensity 60 mph - Movement West-northwest or 295 degrees at 12 mph

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

Tropical Storm Lala is expected to continue to intensify as it moves towards the main Hawaiian Islands. As the system nears the islands it will bring heavy rainfall, high surf, and potentially damaging winds this weekend. Some impacts from Lala could be experienced as early as Friday, mainly over the eastern end of the island chain. Lala may move directly over portions of the state Saturday and Sunday. While the Big Island of Hawaii and Maui County would likely be first to experience impacts, impacts will be possible statewide. 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 Friday night across parts of the Big Island of Hawaii, and Maui County on Saturday. Tropical storm force winds could spread westward to the rest of the state later Saturday and Sunday. It is important to note that the mountainous terrain of the islands can 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 Friday night 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. Tropical Storm Lala is expected to produce rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches across Maui and the Big Island with maximum totals of 25 inches possible across the Big Island. Rainfall totals up to 8 inches possible 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 late Friday and produce dangerous surf along exposed east and southeast shores, especially on the Big Island of Hawaii and Maui. Very large and extremely rough seas are expected to rapidly increase Saturday and Sunday on exposed southeast and east shores and may produce damaging surf, significant beach erosion, and overwash across vulnerable coastal infrastructure.

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

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

* SURGE: Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across Maui County and 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.

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

* FLOODING RAIN: Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible extensive impacts across Maui County and the Big Island of Hawaii. 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 the remainder of the state of Hawaii.

* TORNADOES: Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across the Big Island of Hawaii. 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 you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather forecast before departing and drive with caution.

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.

Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed evacuation orders issued by the 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 a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options.

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 11 PM HST, or sooner if conditions warrant.