Tropical Storm Flossie ‘much closer,’ high-surf warning in effect for Maui’s east-facing shores
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Tropical Storm Flossie continued to trend "much closer" to the Hawaiian Islands, packing an increasing threat for high surf, potential flash flooding, strong gusts of wind and thunderstorms, the National Weather Service said early Sunday morning.
Flossie comes on the heels of Erick, which was downgraded to a tropical depression southwest of the Hawaiian Island chain on Saturday. Meanwhile, Gil weakened from a tropical storm into a tropical depression in the Eastern North Pacific early Sunday.
As of 5 a.m. today, Tropical Storm Flossie was 575 miles east-southeast of Kahului and moving west at about 14 mph.
"On the forecast track, Flossie will move very close to the main Hawaiian Islands on Monday and Tuesday," the service said.
Maximum sustained winds were near 40 mph Sunday morning. Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 90 miles from the center.
Maui County was under a high-surf warning through Monday at 6 a.m., with east-facing shores expected to see waves from 10- to 15-feet high. Large shore break and dangerous currents make entering the water hazardous, the service said.
Flossie continues to weaken, however, and is anticipated to downgrade into a tropical depression Monday night, forecasters said.
Light to moderate trade winds will continue across the islands under a high pressure ridge far to the north of the state. Shower activity for most islands will favor typical windward and mountain areas overnight and early morning hours today into Monday.
“We’re not out of the woods yet,” Mayor Michael Victorino said. “Maui County and Hawaii County are still susceptible to tropical storm force winds. I ask all of our residents and visitors to remain vigilant, make preparations and stay safe.”
As of this morning, Tropical Depression Gil, which had 30 mph maximum sustained winds, was 2,085 miles east-southeast of Kahului and was inching west at about 10 mph. Forecasters said it is expected to become a remnant low later today and to dissipate by Monday night.
Victorino, Maui Emergency Management Agency staff, Hawaii National Guard personnel, county department staff and other agencies video teleconferenced with counties from the rest of the state and Governor’s Office for the update during its daily briefing Saturday.
County officials asked that residents tie down or store all loose objects including potted plants and properly secure propane tanks. Residents should also have a 14-day supply of water and nonperishable food as well as a first-aid kit, portable radio, flashlights and extra batteries.
Maui Electric Co. reminds the public to call-in power outages to their Trouble Line at (808) 871-7777.
People can sign up for emergency notifications on Maka`ala at www.mauicounty.gov. For more information on emergency preparedness and how to prepare an emergency kit, visit www.mauicounty.gov/emergency.