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Hawaii County Civil Defense Messages
This is a Civil Defense hurricane update for 7:30 p.m., Friday, August 24, 2018.
Although Tropical Storm Lane has weakened, a flash flood warning is still in effect for the windward side of Hawaii Island, with dangerous heavy rains and flooding continuing. Roads in Kohala, Hamakua, Hilo, Puna, and Ka‘u are experiencing severe flooding. Everyone is strongly advised to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
All low lying areas of Hilo town are flooded. It is critical that motorists and persons stay out of the area.
Due to Tropical Storm Lane, the following major road closures are in effect:
- Mamalahoa Highway (Route 19) between mile marker 3 and 32 – expect extremely hazardous driving conditions. Only one lane will be maintained and the road may be closed at times without any notice.
- Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Route 200) at mile marker 10.5 – alternating one lane open with a pilot car
- Mamalahoa Highway south (Route 11) at mile marker 15
- Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) from Keaau High School to Hawaiian Paradise Park
Please stay alert and be cautious of changing road conditions, as closures may occur at any time without notice. Conditions are being monitored and you will be kept informed of major closures as best as possible.
Due to flash flooding, extreme caution should be taken due to:
- Flowing water on and across the road
- Poor visibility due to heavy rain
- Debris on the road
- Erosion of the shoulders and the road
- Ponding water
Shelters at Waiakea High School and Keaau High School are open if you need to evacuate. Remember to bring food and bedding if possible.
All motorists and residents of affected areas are urged to use extreme caution and be aware of flooding conditions. This is a very dangerous situation and heavy rains are expected to continue on the windward side of Hawaii Island.
Thank you and please be safe. This is your Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency.
National Weather Service Statement on Hurricane Lane
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for…
- Oahu
- Maui County…including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe
- Hawaii County
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for…
- Kauai County…including the islands of Kauai and Niihau
A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area.
Interests in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands should monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Lane.
For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by the National Weather Service office in Honolulu Hawaii.
DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
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At 11 p.m. HST (0900 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Lane was located near latitude 19.4 North, longitude 158.5 West. Lane is moving toward the north-northwest near 3 mph (6 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue through Saturday morning. This will likely be followed by a turn toward the west with an increase in forward speed starting Saturday afternoon. This westward motion is forecast to continue through Sunday. On the forecast track, the center of Lane will pass south of Kauai and Niihau on Saturday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph (100 km/h) with higher gusts. Additional weakening is forecast through this weekend, and Lane may become a remnant low by Sunday.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 130 miles (215 km) from the center.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 992 mb (29.30 inches).
HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
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WIND: Tropical storm conditions are still expected in and near outer rain bands that will affect Oahu, Maui County, and the Big Island tonight into Saturday. Tropical storm conditions are possible on Kauai starting Saturday.
RAINFALL: Lane’s outer rain bands will produce excessive rainfall this weekend, which could lead to additional flash flooding and landslides. Lane is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 10 to 20 inches in some areas. Localized storm total amounts in excess of 40 inches have already been observed along the windward side of the Big Island.
SURF: Large swells generated by Lane will impact the Hawaiian Islands tonight. These swells will produce high surf along the exposed south and east shorelines through early Saturday.
TORNADO: Isolated tornados are possible from tonight into early Saturday across parts of the Big Island, Maui County, and Oahu.
KEY MESSAGE:
1. Rainbands around the northern and eastern periphery of Lane can still bring persistent, flooding rainfall and damaging winds. Effects from tropical storms can and do extend well from the center. Winds will be accelerated over higher terrain, through gaps, and where winds blow downslope. Winds will also be stronger at the upper floors of high rise buildings.
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