Tropical Depression Olivia has reached the Hawaiian Islands, bringing pounding rain, strong winds and flash floods. Maximum sustained winds are around 35 mph, with even stronger gusts. The NWS said that “Little change in strength is forecast through tonight. Olivia is expected to become a post-tropical remnant low by Friday.”
On Sept. 12, the National Weather Service said, “Tropical Storm Olivia will bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and high surf to much of the state today into tonight, with the potential for additional heavy rainfall continuing through Thursday night. Winds have increased to minimal tropical storm force near 40 mph with gusts to 50 mph over parts of Maui County during the night. Tropical-storm-force winds are expected to continue across Maui County and spread across Oahu later today. The mountainous terrain of the islands will produce localized areas of highly enhanced winds away from the center of Olivia, which can cause damage before the onset of more widespread tropical-storm-force winds.”
Floods remain a major concern for the NWS. “Showers and areas of moderate to heavy rain will continue to increase today, with flooding rainfall a significant threat through Thursday night. Expect storm rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches, with isolated areas reaching up to 15 inches. Much of this rainfall will be focused on windward areas of the islands, especially from Kauai through Maui. However, flooding is still a significant threat for all areas, particularly as Olivia moves through the islands.”
