The following is the latest update from the Honolulu Star Advertiser as of 6 pm Thursday:
Tropical Depression Two-C maintained its wind speed just below tropical-storm strength this afternoon and is forecast to take a path farther south of Hawaii than Hurricane Lala’s track, but still threatening torrential rain for the Big Island this weekend. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center said that as of about 5 p.m., Two-C had 35 mph maximum sustained winds, centered 815 miles southeast of Hilo, moving west-northwest at 14 mph. When its winds reach at least 39 mph, which is expected as soon as tonight, the disturbance will become a tropical storm and given the name Moke.
The storm is expected to make a gradual turn to the west with the center of the system passing south of the Big Island this weekend, then the rest of the islands early next week, CPHC forecasters said. Although the storm is expected to pass further south of Hawaii than Lala did last weekend, it is still forecast to dump 5 to 10 inches on the Big Island, with maximum amounts of 15 inches possible in some areas. “Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches with maximum amounts of 3 inches are expected on eastern Maui. For the remainder of the islands, 1 to 2 inches of rain are possible,” forecasters said. The storm is also forecast to bring swells to portions of the Hawaiian islands the weekend, and could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. The storm’s winds are expected to peak at about 60 mph Saturday and Sunday, weaker then Lala which peaked with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph as it passed about 30 miles south of South Point on Saturday.
Hawaii island is still recovering from the flooding, high winds and power outages wrought by Lala, especially in the Kau district. County officials urged residents and visitors to prepare for another round of heavy rain this weekend. They said heavy downpours from the new system could pose a significant hazard, especially in communities that were hit hard by Lala. “We encourage everyone to take this new storm seriously and prepare for its expected arrival on Saturday,” Mayor Kimo Alameda said in a news release. “The exact impacts aren’t clear, but that much rain falling on saturated ground could cause more flooding and landslides, so be prepared to move to shelter early.”
Reminder: August and September are the busiest months in the hurricane season. Residents should take the following steps now:
>> Review and update family emergency plans, including where to go if evacuation is necessary.
>> Assemble or replenish emergency supplies, including enough food, water, medications and essential items to last at least 14 days.
>> Have flashlights, batteries, portable chargers and other supplies ready in the event of a power outage.
>> Secure outdoor furniture, equipment and other loose objects that could become hazardous in strong winds.
>> Clear gutters, drains and areas that could contribute to flooding.
>> Keep vehicles fueled and avoid waiting until the last minute to purchase essential supplies.
>> Know whether homes are in a flood, coastal or other hazard area and be prepared to relocate if necessary.
>> Sign up for HNL Alert emergency notifications by visiting hnlalert.gov or texting HNLALERT to 888777.
Post Hurricane Lala
If you were impacted by the storm, the City is asking all affected residents to fill out the online damage assessment form. The purpose of this form is only to collect information that will help local officials understand the damage that occurred and impacts on the community. The City will also use this information to determine whether the City can request federal assistance programs.
Tropical Storm Lala was a reminder that everyone should prepare since August and September have historically been the most active months in which tropical cyclones form:
- Create a plan and know what to pack and/or ensure is safe in the event of a major disaster. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has published a list of resources that can help you plan according to your personal situation.
- The Department of Emergency Management recommends having a two-week emergency supply kit as well as a ‘Go-Bag’ in the event you have to evacuate. If you know of any vulnerable family, friends, or neighbors – consider helping them to prepare as they will have additional, specific, needs that need to be considered prior to, during, and after a major disaster.
- Determine how you can harden your home and if you should shelter in place. This is a link to the Homeowner’s Handbook that is published by the University of Hawaii Sea Grant program. Page 59 is a chart that summarizes whether or not – based on the date of and type of construction – you should shelter in place. The book can be downloaded and is a very good reference for disaster preparedness planning. If you do need to evacuate, determine if you have a friend or family member whose home can be a shelter. If there is no safe option, please watch the news and/or check the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) website to find out which evacuation shelters will be open in your area and if its pet friendly.
- Understand what to do in the event you hear the emergency siren. Here is a link to the Emergency Siren reference page – which contains the locations of all sirens. When you hear the siren, turn on the radio or local television and listen for more instructions should it sound due to an emergency. Sign up for HNL Alert to receive custom notifications.
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