Storm to disrupt
New Year’s

Tropical storm-strength
gusts of 60 to 70 mph
are expected Friday

The first strong winter storm of the season is expected to usher in the New Year with rains and wind gusts of up to 70 mph.

Don't get blown away For strong winds, the Oahu Civil Defense Agency recommends: » Tie down or bring loose objects indoors to minimize flying debris. » Bring outdoor furniture indoors or secure it. » Cut down rotted or loose branches on trees close to buildings. » Minimize unnecessary travel. » Monitor TV or radio stations and be well informed of developing situations; watches and warnings might be issued. » Keep a battery-operated radio, flashlight and spare batteries accessible and on hand at home and work. » Should you experience or observe severe damage from high winds or flooding rains, call 911 immediately to report it.

"Both at the same time is a bit of a double-whammy," said John Cummings III, public information officer for the Oahu Civil Defense Agency.

The agency issued a cautionary statement yesterday urging residents to take protective measures from the predicted strong gusts, similar in scale to those produced in a tropical storm.

The weather might also work against some New Year's Eve festivities on Friday.

"It'll be trying conditions for fireworks," said Hans Rosendal, lead forecaster for the National Weather Service.

"If it rains, it's a plus side for the fire department," Cummings said, adding that the ground has been damp and will likely lessen chances of any brush fires.

"We do expect some windy conditions during the time around New Year's, the day or two before and the day or two after," he said.

He also predicted heavy rains and flooding conditions due to the duration of the storm. Rough wind-driven southerly surf is expected. Another system is expected to bring large waves, up to 25-foot faces, to northwest shores on Sunday.

"It's like a double storm," Rosendal said, about the southerly winds. After the first one hits, a second storm will reinforce it after New Year's Day, "though it'll be all one episode," he said.

Off-and-on winds will average 15 to 30 mph. The higher gusts of between 60 to 70 mph could strike all islands. The strong southerly winds will be blowing especially hard on the Windward side of the islands.

On Oahu, they will blow from the Honolulu side up the Koolaus, picking up speed and diving down into Kaneohe and Kailua, Rosendal said.

The predicted storm is a result of a strong low front forming along a frontal band about 600 miles west of Kauai, near the French Frigate Shoals. It is expected to pick up a lot of tropical moisture, said Bob Farrell, lead forecaster.

The front will move northeast and push a strong cold front through the state, Farrell said.

The National Weather Service might have to issue an advisory. The winds are expected to be strongest beginning early Friday and through the day.

Cummings recommended residents stay tuned to TV and radio for any weather updates.

The Oahu Civil Defense issued a seven-point list of actions to take, including tying down loose objects, cutting down loose branches and minimizing unnecessary travel. The agency reminds the public that any debris such as signs, roofing material and small items left outside become "flying missiles" during high winds.