As of today at 5:00 p.m. HST, Tropical Storm Olivia was still heading toward the Hawaiian Islands, but its projected course had shifted slightly more northward.
In response, the National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning for Oahu, meaning sustained winds within the range of 39 to 73 miles per hour are expected within the next 36 hours. A tropical storm warning was issued early Monday morning for Maui County and the island of Hawaii.
In addition, Kauai has been placed under a tropical storm watch, meaning tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
The National Weather Service also placed the entire state under a flash flood watch, meaning conditions are favorable for flash flooding in flood-prone areas.
As of 5:00 p.m. HST, Olivia was located about 375 miles east-northeast of Hilo on the island of Hawaii, 410 miles east of Hana on Maui, and 530 miles east of Honolulu on Oahu. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour and is moving west at 10 miles per hour.
The National Weather Service expects marginal wind shear from the southwest to increase and likely contribute to a weakening of Olivia, but cautions this will be a strong tropical storm as it moves closer to the Hawaiian Islands.
Olivia’s weather impacts are currently forecast to begin affecting the Hawaiian Islands late Tuesday, particularly along northeast and east shores. Residents and visitors on all islands should anticipate the potential of heavy rainfall, ranging from extreme flooding rain on the island of Hawaii and Maui County to major flooding rain on Oahu and moderate flooding rain on Kauai. Rainfall of 10-15 inches on all islands, with some isolated areas receiving up to 20 inches, is possible.
High winds are also a dangerous threat to residents and visitors on all islands, with the potential for wind of 39 to 57 miles per hour blowing on the island of Hawaii and Kauai, and wind of 58 to 73 miles per hour blowing on Maui County and Oahu.
Hazardous surf conditions with a potential storm surge of 1 to 3 feet is also a concern. Everyone is advised to stay out of the ocean while Olivia is passing the islands.
HTA is strongly advising residents and visitors to prepare for Olivia’s onset Tuesday evening and plan to shelter in place while the storm is underway, with access to an adequate supply of food, water, medications and essential goods. Everyone is strongly encouraged to follow the instructions of Hawaii’s civil defense officials and to not take any risks that would put them in danger from Olivia while the storm is completing its pass of the Hawaiian Islands.
For visitors currently in Hawaii or with confirmed trips to anywhere in the Hawaiian Islands in the coming weeks, HTA advises them to stay informed about Olivia and to contact their airlines, accommodations and activity providers to see if adjustments to travel plans are needed.
HTA has a special Alert page about Olivia on its website and is posting updates as new information becomes available. Also included on the Alert page are links to resources with helpful information to keep residents and visitors updated about Olivia and how to be prepared.
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