Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaii County Posted as Darby Approaches

Darby isn’t the only tropical storm in the Pacific. Estelle was still a tropical storm at the time of the image, but was devoid of strong convection (rising air that condenses into clouds and thunderstorms that make up a tropical cyclone). All backcountry areas and certain roads in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, are closed effective 5 p.m. today. Tropical storm force winds of more than 39 mph extend 125 miles from the center of the storm.

Maximum sustained winds are near 60 miles per hour with higher gusts. CPHC projects Darby to retain that intensity as it rumbles past Hilo 18 miles northeast at about 6 p.m. Saturday, with Hilo expected to be well within Darby’s 58-mph wind bands.

Tropical Storm Darby weakened a bit but moved closer to Hawaii on Friday, and a tropical storm warning was issued for the Big Island. It goes into effect late Friday night and will be posted through Sunday afternoon. “What really cases significant impacts here is the rain rates, the short periods of intense rain rates, which can lead to flash flooding”. Forecasters said rainfall amounts of 10 t o15 inches are possible over the weekend.

Partly cloudy skies with scattered morning showers for windward spots and isolated showers for leeward areas. A more definitive track should be available around 11 a.m., according to Birchard. Hilo High, Laupahoehoe Community Charter School, Mountain View Elementary, Waikoloa Elementary, and Kohala High and Elementary open today at 4 pm but are unable to accommodate pets.

The onset of tropical storm conditions could start early Saturday morning. That means tropical storm conditions are expected in the county within 36 hours.

“The main picture right now is Darby”, Kodama said.

“Gusts will be strongest over mountainous terrain, through passes, and where winds blow downslope”, weather forecasters say. Winds affecting upper floors of high rise buildings will be significantly stronger than those near ground level.

“Homes may have damage to shingles, siding, gutters and windows, especially if these items are not properly secured”. Loose outdoor items will become airborne, causing additional damage and possible injury, the weather service said. Power lines may also be downed. We will have to see how it interacts with the land, channeling between our islands, gap winds, etc… The surf is expected to remain high through Saturday.

A high surf warning is in effect for east shores of Hawaii island and Maui, where surf of 12 to 20 feet, with higher sets is beginning to come ashore.

This watch does not include Honolulu which is on the island of Oahu. East-facing coastlines will be very unsafe over the next few days.