#hawaii storm

Gilma was downgraded to a tropical depression early this morning, but the system still has the potential for brining heavy rain to the islands tonight through Saturday – specifically over windward Maui and Hawaiʻi Island districts, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service. The NWS reports that while localized flooding is possible, widespread flooding is not expected.

Crews are responding to storm-related outages on Hawaiʻi Island and the company also continues to coordinate with state and county emergency response officials. With the updated forecast, which includes rainfall and increased humidity, lessening the threat of wildfires, Hawaiian Electric has determined that a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) will no longer be considered as a safety measure at this time. 

With the forecast of possible stormy weather this weekend and its potential impact to Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian Electric advises its customers to review their emergency preparedness plans and be ready for possible outages.

3:27 p.m. UPDATE: The National Weather Service has canceled all flood watches, high wind and surf advisories as former Tropical Storm Calvin heads west away from Hawaiʻi. Only a small craft advisory and gale warning remain for island waters as of 3:30 p.m. The National Weather Service says breezy trades will continue around the islands “due to the pressure difference between Clavin and the subtropical high to the north and northeast.”

County officials say staff are inspecting and clearing culverts, and inspecting and testing drainage pumps to confirm they operate. Sand plugs are being lowered in Kīhei to help potential release of floodwaters. Also, traffic control devices are being assembled and prepared to deploy where hazards or closures of roadways occur.

In anticipation of Tropical Storm Calvin, Governor Green signed an Emergency Proclamation today to make resources available to address potential storm impacts. State offices in the County of Hawaiʻi will be closed on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 due to expected severe weather conditions.

11 p.m. UPDATE: The “most damaging wind and weather conditions” are currently focused over the Big Island and the islands in Maui County tonight through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.  The NWS says each island will see about a 12-18 hour period of weather impacts.

The NWS says the “peak period of concern” at this time is approximately 6 p.m. Tuesday through 6 a.m. Wednesday with the “greatest potential for higher end rain rates occurring after midnight Tuesday night.” As of 5 p.m., the system was located about 655 miles ESE of Hilo Hawaiʻi; 730 miles ESE of Hāna, Maui; 760 miles ESE of Kahului, Maui; 800 miles ESE of Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi; 790 miles ESE of Lānaʻi City; and 855 miles ESE of Honolulu, Oʻahu.

The National Hurricane Center says storm total rainfall amounts of 4-7 inches are possible along windward areas of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi from Tuesday night into Thursday, with lower amounts of 1-4 inches elsewhere in the state. The NHC reports that a Tropical Storm Watch may be required for portions of the main Hawaiian Islands tonight.

Calvin is now a tropical storm with sustained winds of 70 mph as it continues on a WNW path at 16 mph. Calvin was last located 1360 miles ESE of Hilo, 1425 miles ESE of Hāna and 1460 miles ESE of Kahului, Maui.

The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency is urging members of the public to be prepared as a “kona low” storm system is forecast to to bring inclement weather to the islands Sunday night into Monday.

The agencies are distributing food boxes and bottled water. The Hub also has charging stations and free WiFi available.

The three tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific in 2021 were below the average of 4 to 5 tropical cyclones that develop or move across the central Pacific basin each year.

The updated official forecast brings the center of Flossie over waters just east of the Hawaiian Islands as a tropical depression on Monday.

On the heels of Erick, tropical cyclone Flossie will approach the islands from the east over the rest of the weekend into early next week

The National Weather Service in Honolulu reported that Maui County could still receive 3 to 5 inches of rain with potential for localized flooding beginning late Sunday night and early Monday morning

“To our visitors, take nothing for granted and listen to the advice of our tourism industry professionals before venturing outside, going to the beach or getting on the roadways. Make sure the weather effects of Olivia have passed.”

Check here for forecast updates on Madeline throughout the day specific to Maui County.

Heavy rains associated with Madeline may reach Hawaii County on Wednesday, and may impact other Hawaiian Islands later Wednesday into Friday.

Maui residents are urged to begin making preparations for dangerous surf, high winds and heavy rain as Hurricane Madeline continues to make its way toward the Hawaiian Islands.