Intense storm
marches to islesThe powerful system
is threatening
strong thunderstorms
and heavy winds today
Thunderstorms and wind gusts of up to 50 miles an hour could start hitting the islands by late this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
"It is pointing towards a potent storm, lots of wind and rain," said weather service Lead Forecaster Hans Rosendal. "If it does happen, it looks like an intense storm."
Forecasters said an incoming cold front is expected to bring heavy showers, strong winds and thunderstorms over the islands tonight and throughout the weekend.
The storm is expected to hit either this afternoon or tonight, starting with Kauai and moving down the island chain. Forecasters say it should get stronger tomorrow with heavy showers, thunderstorms and south winds between 15 to 30 miles an hour, along with gusts of up to 50 miles an hour.
"We can never say for sure that it will happen ... but our computer models indicate that the conditions are right," Rosendal said.
Forecasters for AccuWeather, a national 24-hour weather news service, predicted flash-flooding conditions in Hawaii from tomorrow afternoon to Saturday morning.
The forecast of potentially hazardous conditions was ominous enough for Oahu Civil Defense officials to urge residents and businesses to take flood safety precautions.
"We just want people to be prepared," said John Cummings III, Oahu Civil Defense public information officer.
Some of the precautions and warnings include:
>> Keep materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber on hand to protect residential homes and businesses in flood-prone areas."Personally, the biggest issue are kids and culverts, especially when they fall into streams during a storm," said Cummings. "They're attracted to streams, but when rains come down they don't know how dangerous it can be."
>> Turn around instead of trying to drive across flooded roads or bridges.
>> Abandon vehicles stalled in water and get to higher ground to avoid being swept away by rapidly moving water.
>> Check to see your homeowner's insurance covers flooding.
>> Avoid walking in floodwaters, and be cautious of children playing near culverts, streams and canals.Cummings said Civil Defense is watching right now to see if the storm will actually hit before coordinating efforts between state and county agencies.
"As we all know, this could dissipate overnight. ... Right now we'll just have to wait and see."
For more information on conditions, visit the National Weather Service Web site at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl, or call them at 973-4381.
