Tropical Cyclone Local Statement

HLSHFO

This product covers the Hawaiian islands

**TROPICAL STORM NOLO CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN AND MOVE SLOWLY NORTHWARD TOWARDS THE BIG ISLAND**

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

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm 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 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 Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are 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 460 miles south-southeast of Honolulu or about 340 miles south-southwest of Hilo - 14.9N 156.1W - Storm Intensity 70 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 2 mph

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

The Tropical Storm Nolo track has been moved slightly southward with the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. It is forecast to slowly track north through Friday, then make a turn to the west Friday night as it strengthens to a major hurricane. Nolo is will then continue westward through the weekend with the center passing south of Hawaii. However, impacts from Nolo will be felt well outside the center of the storm.

Tropical storm force winds are expected to reach the Big Island as early as midday Friday, with hurricane force winds possible by Friday night. A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricaine Watch has been issued for Big Island. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Maui County. Tropical storm watches may be needed for other islands should future track forecasts bring Nolo closer to the state.

Bands of intense showers and thunderstorms associated with Nolo will reach the Big Island later today. Excessive rainfall is possible which could lead to locally catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides, mainly on windward and southeast Big Island. Flooding can occur even in areas not usually prone to flooding. Outer rain bands associated with Nolo are expected to reach the smaller islands, and will be enhanced by the terrain, particularly on Maui. Additional rainfall amounts of 15 to 30 inches are possible on the Big Island, with localized amounts of 35 inches. On Maui, rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches are possible, with localized amounts of 15 inches.

Swell generated by Nolo could bring very large and rough surf and dangerous rip currents for south and southeast facing shores, especially for the Big Island. Expecting surf to reach at least advisory levels along all south and east facing shores.

Tornadoes and large waterspouts will be possible associated with Nolo, mainly over and near the Big Island, along and to the right of the track of the tropical cyclone.

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

* FLOODING RAIN: Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible devastating impacts across Big Island. Potential impacts include: - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible limited to extensive impacts across Maui County.

* WIND: Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating impacts across Big Island. Potential impacts in this area include: - Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks or months. - Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over. - Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Widespread power and communications outages.

Also, prepare for life-threatening wind having possible limited to extensive impacts across Maui County.

* SURGE: Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across Big Island. 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.

* TORNADOES: Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across the Big Island. 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: Follow the advice of local officials

* 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.

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 530 PM HST, or sooner if conditions warrant.