Tropical Storm Warning Continued for Maui County

OLIVIA TUESDAY FORECAST UPDATES: http://mauinow.com/?p=280068<
MAUI OLIVIA CLOSURES, CANCELLATIONS, NOTICES: http://mauinow.com/?p=280073
Maui Olivia Power Outage Updates: http://mauinow.com/?p=280081
Maui Olivia Traffic Advisories: Road Closures, Detours: http://mauinow.com/?p=280096

Olivia. Tropical Storm Warning.

The National Weather Service has CONTINUED the TROPICAL STORM WARNING for MAUI COUNTY.  A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area within 36 hours.

Olivia is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and high surf to parts of the state this week. Olivia is forecast to close in on the main Hawaiian Islands Tuesday, then move over portions of the island chain Tuesday night and Wednesday. Do not focus on the exact forecast track or intensity of the storm and be prepared for changes in future forecasts. Also, keep in mind that although Olivia is forecast to be a weaker storm near the islands than Lane, the impacts of Olivia could be significantly worse due to its passage directly over the islands.

Damaging tropical storm force winds are expected to begin as soon as late Tuesday afternoon or Tuesday evening across Maui . Additionally, hurricane force wind gusts are possible as Olivia moves across the state Tuesday night and Wednesday. Remember that the mountainous terrain of Hawaii can produce localized areas of highly enhanced winds, even well away from the tropical cyclone center.

The chance for flooding rainfall will increase rapidly Tuesday night and remain a significant threat through Thursday. Storm total rainfall amounts are expected to be around 10 to 15 inches, with isolated areas up to 20 inches. Much of this will be focused on windward areas of the islands, especially from Oahu through the Big Island, however, flooding is still a significant threat for all areas.

Swells and surf generated by Tropical Storm Olivia will continue to slowly build through Tuesday, and reach damaging levels on some east facing shores Tuesday and Wednesday. Surf heights along east facing shores are expected to reach up to 20 feet across Maui County. This surf is expected to result in significant beach erosion and overwash onto vulnerable coastal roadways, particularly during high tides.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: IT IS VITAL THAT YOU DO NOT FOCUS ON THE EXACT FORECAST TRACK. FORECAST MOVEMENT, DIRECTION, AND SPEED ARE ONLY ESTIMATES. EVEN SMALL ERRORS IN THE FORECAST TRACK CAN MEAN MAJOR DIFFERENCES IN WHERE THE WORST CONDITIONS WILL OCCUR. DAMAGING EFFECTS CAN EXTEND FAR FROM THE CENTER.

NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE. STAY CALM AND KEEP INFORMED. CLOSELY MONITOR RADIO OR OTHER LOCAL NEWS OUTLETS FOR OFFICIAL STORM INFORMATION. LISTEN FOR WARNINGS OR CHANGES TO THE FORECAST.

LOOSE OBJECTS SUCH AS LAWN FURNITURE, GARBAGE CANS, AND OTHER ITEMS SHOULD BE SECURED OR STORED INDOORS. HAVE SUPPLIES ON HAND AND BE READY FOR POWER OUTAGES.

BE READY TO EVACUATE IF NECESSARY. HEED ALL ADVICE OF LOCAL OFFICIALS AND COMPLY WITH ANY ORDERS THAT ARE ISSUED. PERSONS LIVING NEAR THE SHORE SHOULD BE PREPARED TO EVACUATE QUICKLY SHOULD BUILDING SURF THREATEN.