Tropical Storm Watch Issued Ahead of Olivia

Tropical Storm Watch. Background image courtesy NOAA/NWS/CPHC

The National Weather Service has ISSUED a TROPICAL STORM WATCH for MAUI COUNTY ahead of Olivia as it continues on a path towards the Hawaiian Islands.

In addition to Maui County, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi County also are under a Tropical Storm Watch.

Forecasts for specific areas of Maui are posted at the following direct LINK.

A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area within 48 hours.

The National Weather Service reminds the public that it is important to not focus on the exact forecast track and intensity when planning for Olivia. Persons on all the main Hawaiian Islands should continue preparing for the likelihood of direct impacts from this system this week. The agency says impacts could include intense flooding rainfall, damaging winds, large and dangerous surf, and storm surge.

Regardless of the exact track and intensity that Olivia takes as it approaches the islands, significant effects often extend far from the center. In particular, the mountainous terrain of Hawaii can produce localized areas of strongly enhanced winds and rainfall, even well away from the tropical cyclone center.

WIND: Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area starting Tuesday.

RAINFALL: Storm total rainfall amounts of 10 to 15 inches, with isolated amounts over 20 inches, are possibile associated with Olivia.

SURF: Large swells generated by Olivia are expected to continue to increase near the main Hawaiian Islands. Surf will to build as Olivia approaches, and may become damaging on some exposed east facing shores Tuesday or Wednesday.

For information on pre-storm actions you can take, go to MauiCounty.gov/Emergency. For detailed tracking of the storm, go to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center at www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: CONTINUE TO ASSEMBLE YOUR SURVIVAL KIT. SECURE ANY LOOSE OBJECTS THAT MAY BECOME AIR BORNE. PREPARE TO LEAVE AREAS THAT MAY FLOOD. STAY INDOORS DURING HIGH WINDS.