Darby Prompts Tropical Storm Watch, Surf Warning, Flood Watch

Tropical Storm Darby Track as of 11 a.m. 7.21.16. PC: Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

The National Weather Service urges you to not focus on the exact forecast track. Small shifts in the forecast can result in big differences in the actual effects of this system on any part of the state. It’s also important to note that damaging effects can occur far from the center of the storm.

A watch is issued 48 hours before the possible arrival of tropical storm force winds.

A Flash Flood Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service. It goes into effect late Friday night and will be posted through Sunday afternoon. Tropical Storm Darby is expected to continue approaching the Hawaiian Islands. The forecast is still highly dependent on the track and intensity of the system, however, there is a possibility for intense rainfall and flash flooding this weekend. East to southeast facing slopes are at greatest risk.

When rainfall episodes of this intensity occur, flooding could occur even outside of normal flood zones. Keep in mind, flooding on roadways can make driving very dangerous and roads impassable. Two feet of water is enough to sweep your car away. Debris can clog waterways. Never try to cross fast-flowing water on foot.

Image: NWS

A High Surf Warning is also posted for the east facing shores of Maui and the Big Island from 6 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Sunday. Surf is forecast to build to 12 to 20 foot faces Friday with higher sets at the best exposures. Waves this big can cause coastal flooding and lead to dangerous ocean conditions. Powerful currents are also a concern and large breaking waves can impact harbor entrances and channels.