Wali Downgraded to Tropical Depression, Heavy Rain Expected

Satellite imagery courtesy NOAA/NWS.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 11:15 a.m. 7/18/2014)

Tropical Storm Wali was downgraded to a tropical depression at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2014.

The National Weather Service says the system is moving toward the NW at 13 mph with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph.

Wali is expected to become a post-tropical remnant low within 12 hours and dissipate within 24 hours, according to the NWS.

Despite weakening, the NWS is still forecasting heavy rainfall to affect the Hawaiian islands beginning by Saturday evening.

The agency says “widespread rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches are expected with up to 12 inches locally.

In preparation for potential flooding impacts, that County of Maui has taken the following precautions:

• all districts checking drainageways for obstructions
• pumps being deployed in areas where flooding occurs regularly
• equipment checked and prepped
• Maui Police Department command staff and Department of Fire and Public Safety operations have all been informed to stand ready in case of possible flooding or other storm emergencies
• any necessary vehicles and backup generators have been fully fueled
• loose items that could float or fly away in the storm have been secured

We will continue to post updates as they become available.

(UPDATE: 9:50 a.m. 7/18/2014)

The threat of heavy rains and thunderstorms are forecast for the state Saturday night through Monday as the effects of Tropical Storm Wali impact the state.

The system was upgraded from a tropical depression to a tropical storm on Thursday afternoon, becoming the first named system in the Central Pacific this hurricane season.

At 5 a.m. on Friday, July 18, Wali was located 920 miles ESE of Hilo; and 1035 miles ESE of Kahului, Maui.

The system was moving toward the northwest near 12 mph, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph.

The National Weather Service reports that Wali is expected to weaken to below tropical storm status before reaching the islands, but the associated moisture will continue on a path towards the islands and is projected to drop more than 2 inches in some locations.

The agency reports that the main risk for flooding Saturday night is for windward sections of Hawaiʻi Island and Maui, and for all the islands Sunday and Monday.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the island of Maui from 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, to 6 p.m. on Monday, July 21, as rains are projected to impact the state.