High Wind Warning Cancelled 10 AM

As of 10 AM, the National Weather Service dropped the High Wind Warning from Ni’ihau to Mau’i County as the potential of damaging wind gusts has dropped off.

The cold front has passed Kaua’i and is now making its way through O’ahu. Gusts were reported between 40 to 50 mph, and 50 mph gusts are still possible. Although southwesterly winds have not been as strong as expected, high gusts will still persist across Mau’i County and eastward as the afternoon progresses.

Therefore, a High Wind Advisory is now in effect for the entire Mau’i county area throughout the afternoon into the evening hours. The High Wind Warning for the summits is still in effect.

Out in the water, all weather alerts mentioned earlier remain in effect.

Showers across the state have been moderate to heavy. With the blustery conditions, rainfall is staying on the move with no threat of flooding expected at this time.

Amber-Lynn

Attention: Mariners

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Marine Weather Statement

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MARINE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HONOLULU HI
355 AM HST FRI JAN 16 2009

PHZ110>124-170400-
/X.CON.PHFO.MA.S.0002.000000T0000Z-090117T0400Z/
KAUAI NORTHWEST WATERS-KAUAI WINDWARD WATERS-KAUAI LEEWARD WATERS-
KAUAI CHANNEL-OAHU WINDWARD WATERS-OAHU LEEWARD WATERS-
KAIWI CHANNEL-MAUI COUNTY WINDWARD WATERS-
MAUI COUNTY LEEWARD WATERS-MAALAEA BAY-PAILOLO CHANNEL-
ALENUIHAHA CHANNEL-BIG ISLAND WINDWARD WATERS-
BIG ISLAND LEEWARD WATERS-BIG ISLAND SOUTHEAST WATERS-
355 AM HST FRI JAN 16 2009

...LARGE NORTHWEST SWELL AND STRONG WEST WINDS TO CONTINUE TODAY...

A VERY LARGE NORTHWEST SWELL WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE THROUGH HAWAIIAN
WATERS TODAY AND SATURDAY. IN ADDITION...STRONG SOUTHWEST TO
WEST WINDS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH TODAY OVER MOST HAWAIIAN WATERS.
A COLD FRONT MOVING DOWN THE ISLAND CHAIN TODAY WILL BRING A WIND
SHIFT TO THE NORTHWEST...AFTER WHICH WIND SPEEDS WILL TAPER OFF.
UNTIL THEN...WIND WAVES WILL REMAIN QUITE HIGH...AND SMALL CRAFT
ADVISORIES REMAIN POSTED FOR ALL HAWAIIAN WATERS.

BOATERS ARE URGED TO EXERCISE CAUTION IF PLANNING ON VENTURING
OUT...AS THE COMBINATION OF WIND WAVES AND LARGE SWELLS WILL MAKE
FOR POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. BOATERS SHOULD ALSO BE
ALERT FOR WAVES BREAKING ACROSS HARBOR ENTRANCES...ESPECIALLY
THOSE EXPOSED TO NORTHWEST SWELL...AND STRONG SOUTHWEST TO WEST
WINDS.

Winter Storm: Update Friday 8 AM

Goodmorning!

Reminder: Lots of closures out there due to the wet and windy weather. Check out KITV.com for the latest.

So far, gusts around 30 to 40 mph have been reported on islands west of the Big Island with the strongest gusts near 50 mph on slopes near Schofield Barracks on Central O’ahu. This is a good indication that similar strong gusts could occur locally in other downslope areas.

Rainfall is not adding up to significant amounts as of right now.  However, be prepared for minor flood problems, mainly this morning on Kaua`i, this afternoon on O`ahu, tonight for Maui County and Saturday morning for the Big Island.

Here’s a look at the highest rainfall totals over a 24 hour period as of 5 AM this morning:

Kaua’i:

• Mount Wai’ale’ale  2.33″
• Mohihi Crossing  1.17″
• `Oma`o  1.06″

O’ahu:

• South Fork Kaukonahua  .71″
• Schofield Barracks  .70″
• O’ahu Forest NWR  .55″

Mau’i County:

• Moloka’i 1   .30″
• Lana’i 1   .30″
• Pu’u Kukui  1.32″
• Waikapu Country Club  .66″
• `Ohe’o Gulch  .45″

Island of Hawai’i:

• Kealakekua  .29″
• Kahuku Ranch .25″

As far as current weather alerts:

• HIGH WIND WARNING: in effect until 6 PM this afternoon for Ni’ihau to Moloka’i…as well as the summits of Haleakala, Mauna Kea, & Mauna Loa.
• HIGH WIND ADVISORY: in effect until midnight tonight for Lana’i, Kaho’olawe, & Mau’i.
• HIGH SURF WARNING: in effect until 6 AM Saturday for north and west facing shores from Ni’ihau to the leeward coast of the Big Island.
• HIGH SURF ADVISORY: in effect until 6 AM Saturday for the west shores of Lana’i and the north shores of the Big Island.
• SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY: in effect until 6 PM Sunday for ALL Hawaiian waters.

Of course, most spots haven’t reached the peak of the wind and rain so remain prepared and stay safe. We just have to get through the brunt of the bad weather today and tonight because it looks like a weekend of great weather is just around the corner.

Amber-Lynn

Winter Storm: Short Term Forecast

Post from the National Weather Service:

SHORT TERM FORECAST
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HONOLULU HI
721 AM HST FRI JAN 16 2009

HIZ005>011-161930-
OAHU SOUTH SHORE-WAIANAE COAST-OAHU NORTH SHORE-OAHU KOOLAU-
OLOMANA-CENTRAL OAHU-WAIANAE MOUNTAINS-
721 AM HST FRI JAN 16 2009

.NOW…
A NARROW LINE OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SHOWERS…SOME WITH GUSTY
WINDS OF 40 TO 50 MPH…WILL SWEEP ACROSS OAHU THIS MORNING FROM
WEST TO EAST BETWEEN 815 AND 930 AM. THE HEAVY SHOWERS ARE
ASSOCIATED WITH THE COLD FRONT. THERE IS STILL THE CHANCE FOR
LOCALIZED DAMAGING GUSTS NEAR AND NORTHEAST OF THE KOOLAU AND
WAIANAE MOUNTAINS UNTIL THE FRONT GOES THROUGH.

$$
R BALLARD

Winter Storm Update: 10 pm Thursday

Updated information on timing and severity of three dangerous weather elements generated by a large Pacific storm to our north:

• STRONG WINDS — Gusty southwest winds should peak in strength (gusts up to 60 mph) between midnight and 6 am Friday on Kauai, 6 am to noon Friday on O`ahu, and noon to 6 pm Friday for Moloka`i. These three island should see the worst of the winds, primarily in higher terrain and areas downslope of mountains, such as the north and east shore of Kaua`i, Windward O`ahu and East Moloka`i. High winds will also whip through the other islands, but with less severity (gusts to 50 mph). Lana`i and Maui should see winds peak Friday night, followed by the Big Island early Saturday morning. The strongest winds are expected on the high summits on Maui and the Big Island and should persist throughout much of Friday. Winds should ease and shift to the northwest as the cold front passes.
• HEAVY RAIN — A cold front passage is also expected to bring some rain, possibly heavy at times. Expect a few hours of steady rain, heavy at times, but with this front on the move and conditions not extremely unstable… don’t expect any excessive rainfall totals or major flooding. However, be prepared for minor flood problems, mainly Friday morning on Kaua`i, Friday afternoon on O`ahu, Friday night for Maui County and Saturday morning for the Big Island.
• HIGH SURF — The storm has sent us a pair of large west-northwest swells. The first swell resulted in sets as high as 35 feet in face on selected outer reefs along the north shore of Kaua`i and O`ahu. This swell should drop through Friday… that’s when a second swell should start building. It should peak Friday night into Saturday morning at heights 5 to 10 feet lower than the first swell.

With this triple threat, you can imagine… there are many warnings, watches and advisories in effect. Here they are:

• HIGH WIND WARNING until 6 pm Friday for Kaua`i, O`ahu and Moloka`i
• HIGH WIND WARNING until midnight Saturday for the summits of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Haleakala
• WIND ADVISORY until midnight Saturday for Maui and Lana`i
• HIGH SURF WARNING until 6 am Saturday for north and west shores of Kaua`i, O`ahu, Moloka`i and Maui, along with the west shore of the Big Island
• HIGH SURF ADVISORY until 6 am Saturday for the west shore of Lana`i and the north shore of the Big Island
• SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY until 6 pm Sunday for all Hawaiian waters because of the large west-northwest swells and strong southwest winds

Several closures on Friday. For a full list check KITV.com.

Hang on folks… a fairly dry and chilly weekend is ahead!

Justin

Winter Storm: Watches, Warnings, & Advisories

Goodmorning!

This winter storm is causing dangerous conditions for our surf and turf.

At this hour, all Leeward and North Shore beaches are closed along with the beaches in Waimanalo as a safety precaution due to the anticipated huge surf and high wind. For the beaches that are open, SAFETY FIRST…as I always say when in doubt, DON’T go out. Even the most experienced are prone to getting hurt or worse.

The city is opening shelters for the homeless campers who live on the beaches.

We’re anticipating it to get pretty blustery throughout the day, but the strongest winds will likely occur in the late evening hours. With that, you’ll want to take preventable measures for your property now to minimize potential damage. Secure all loose objects.

So here’s an update of posted advisories as of 8:00 AM.

• HIGH WIND WATCH- in effect through Friday afternoon from Ni’ihau to O’ahu. We’re expecting these gusty southwesterly winds to increase into the evening as the cold front approaches. The main areas of concern will be over the high terrain and folks north and east of mauka areas. Property damage is possible especially for these spots.
• HIGH WIND WARNING- in effect through 6 PM tonight for Mau’i and Big Island summits as strong westerly winds persist. Sustained winds could range between 40 to 55 mph, with gusts up to 75 mph.
• HIGH SURF WARNING- in effect until 6 AM Friday for north and west facing shores of Ni’ihau, Kaua’i, O’ahu, Mau’i & the Big Island. With the back to back winter swells, I’m expecting this to be extended at some point. This warning means there are life threatening swimming conditions and deadly rip currents.
• HIGH SURF ADVISORY- in effect until 6 AM Friday for shores of Lana’i and nothern shores of the Big Island. Stay away from the shore break and conditions will produce strong rip currents and localized beach erosion.
• SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY- in effect until 6 PM Sunday for all Hawaiian waters. Inexperienced mariners, especially those with smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these waters. Expect widespread combined seas of 12 to 20 feet and local winds of 25 knots.
• GALE WARNING- in effect through the evening hours for Hawaiian offshore waters beyond 40 nautical miles out to 240 nautical miles including the portion of northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument East of the French Frigate Shoals.

Though we haven’t seen anything significant in the way of rain, the front is expected to bring added showers. Although it may be heavy at times today, downpours won’t sit over one neighborhood for more than 5 to 15 minutes. That changes Friday when the cold front itself moves through. Expect a few hours of steady rain, heavy at times, but with this front on the move and conditions not extremely unstable… don’t expect any excessive rainfall totals or major flooding. However, be prepared for minor flood problems.

Good news is…looks like a drier trade wind pattern will make a comeback for the weekend. Until then, stay safe and stay tuned for the latest.

Amber-Lynn

Winter Storm: High Surf, Strong Winds, Heavy Rain

A large winter storm spinning in the Pacific north of Hawaii will be affecting our weather in many ways into the weekend:

• HIGH SURF — The storm has sent us a pair of large west-northwest swells. The first swell resulted in sets as high as 35 feet in face on selected outer reefs along the north shore of Kauai and Oahu when it peaked Wednesday night into early Thursday morning. This swell should drop slowly into Friday… that’s when a second swell should start building. It should peak Friday night into Saturday morning at heights 5 to 10 feet lower than the first swell.
• STRONG WINDS — Gusty southwest are expected ahead of an approaching cold front. Winds should be strongest on Kaua`i and O`ahu from Thursday night into much of Friday. The strongest gusts will come in higher terrain and areas downslope of mountains, such as the north and east shore of Kaua`i and Windward O`ahu. High winds will also batter the high summits on Maui and the Big Island. Winds should ease and shift to the northwest as the cold front passes.
• HEAVY RAIN — The cold front passage is also expected to bring some rain, possibly heavy at times. Spotty, brief showers are expected Thursday ahead of the front… and although some showers may be heavy, downpours won’t sit over one neighborhood for more than a few minutes. That changes Friday when the cold front itself moves through. Expect a few hours of steady rain, heavy at times, but with this front on the move and conditions not extremely unstable… don’t expect any excessive rainfall totals or major flooding. However, be prepared for minor flood problems.

With this triple threat, you can imagine… there are many warnings, watches and advisories in effect. Here they are:

• HIGH SURF WARNING until 6 am Friday for north and west shores of Kaua`i, O`ahu, Moloka`i and Maui, along with the west shore of the Big Island
• HIGH SURF ADVISORY until 6 am Friday for the west shore of Lana`i and the north shore of the Big Island
• SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY until 6 pm Sunday for all Hawaiian waters because of the large west-northwest swells and anticipated strong southwest winds
• HIGH WIND WATCH from 6 pm Thursday through 4 pm Friday for Kaua`i and O`ahu
• HIGH WIND WARNING until 6 pm Thursday for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa
• WIND ADVISORY until 6 pm Thursday for Haleakala summit

Be safe out there!

Justin

11:45 am Update: No Watches or Warnings

The National Weather Service currently has no watches or warnings posted.

A flash flood warning issued last night for Maui has expired.

A small craft advisory for coastal waters has been cancelled.

The high surf advisory for east-facing shores has been allowed to expire as of noon Sunday as waves fall below the eight foot face height threshold.

The trough responsible for the unsettled weather of the past few days is drifting away from the islands to the northeast, but may still enhance tradewind showers through the day.

Another trough is approaching from the southwest and bears some watching, but right now it’s only expected to bring up some cirrus clouds over the islands.

Ben.

11:30 pm: Flash Flood Warning Extended for Maui

From the National Weather Service:

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN HONOLULU HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR...
  THE ISLAND OF MAUI IN MAUI COUNTY

* UNTIL 145 AM HST

* AT 1044 PM HST...A STREAM GAGE AT OHEO GULCH CONTINUES TO SHOW
  VERY HIGH WATER LEVELS. RADAR INDICATES HEAVY RAINS AND ISOLATED
  THUNDERSTORMS STILL COVER MUCH OF THE AREA. THE AREA OF HEAVY RAIN
  WAS NEARLY STATIONARY.

* OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
  KEANAE AND HANA.

A FLASH FLOOD WARNING MEANS FLASH FLOODING IS IMMINENT OR OCCURRING
IN STREAMS...ROADS AND LOW LYING AREAS. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND NOW.

DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT.
TURN AROUND...DON/T DROWN.

5:10 pm Flash Flood Warning for Maui

From the National Weather Service:

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN HONOLULU HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR...
  THE ISLAND OF MAUI IN MAUI COUNTY

* UNTIL 800 PM HST

* AT 506 PM HST...A GAGE ON OHEO GULCH SHOWED A RAPID RISE
  IN WATER LEVEL FROM HEAVY RAIN NEAR KIPAHULU...OR ABOUT 27 MILES
  EAST OF KAHULUI. THE AREA OF HEAVY RAIN WAS NEARLY STATIONARY.

* OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
  NAHIKU...MAKAWAO...KEANAE AND HANA.

A FLASH FLOOD WARNING MEANS FLASH FLOODING IS IMMINENT OR OCCURRING
IN STREAMS...ROADS AND LOW LYING AREAS. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND NOW.

DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT.
TURN AROUND...DON/T DROWN.