The National Weather Service today issued tropical storm warnings for Maui County and the island of Hawaii as Hurricane Olivia continues its slow advance toward the Hawaiian Islands.
A tropical storm warning means sustained winds within the range of 39 to 73 miles per hour are expected within the next 36 hours. Oahu remains under a tropical storm watch, meaning tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. No weather advisories have been issued for Kauai.
As of 11:00 a.m. HST, the center of Olivia was approximately 435 miles east-northeast of Hilo on the island of Hawaii, 475 miles east of Hana on Maui, and 595 miles east of Honolulu on Oahu. Olivia has maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour and is moving west at 9 miles per hour.
Although Olivia continues to be a category 1 hurricane, the National Weather Service is forecasting it will be weakened as the storm moves closer to the Hawaiian Islands due to increased wind shear. Olivia’s weather impacts are currently forecast to begin affecting Hawaii late Tuesday, September 11.
Weather impacts from Olivia are projected to initially affect northeast and east shores throughout the Hawaiian Islands. This could include very strong winds, high surf conditions and storm surge along shorelines, and heavy rainfall with the potential for flash flooding.
The windward sides of Maui and the island of Hawaii should anticipate potential rainfall of 10-15 inches with some isolated areas possibly receiving up to 20 inches. Oahu and Kauai could also be affected depending on the track Olivia follows over the next 24 to 36 hours. Under the current forecast, all islands are susceptible to the threat of continuous high winds for 12 hours or more.
George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, said, “Being prepared and staying safe needs to be everyone’s top priority these next couple of days. Whether Olivia is a hurricane or a tropical storm is irrelevant as the potential for dangerously high winds and torrential rainfall are threats statewide. Until Olivia has passed, stay off the roads and close to your homes, hotels or accommodations and follow the advice of civil defense officials and Hawaii’s news media.”
“To Hawaii’s visitors, please listen to our airline, hotel and tourism industry professionals. They are well-trained for handling situations involving severe weather and do an excellent job of looking out for and taking care of our guests.”
Residents and visitors are strongly advised to be prepared for Olivia. This includes having 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.
HTA’s Alert page for Olivia can be accessed from its home page or by clicking on the link below.
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