Kilo’s turn to drench Big Island

A flash flood watch will take effect this evening as Kilo, briefly weakening to a tropical depression, passes far to the south of Hawaii Island.

The watch, which also includes Maui, will last from 6 p.m. today until 6 p.m. Monday as localized heavy showers are expected.

“We are expecting quite a bit of rain,” said Chevy Chevalier, National Weather Service meteorologist, Friday afternoon. “That would be the biggest concern right now.”

The weather service downgraded Kilo to a tropical depression Friday evening after its maximum sustained winds decreased to 35 mph. It was expected to again become a tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds of at least 39 mph, by this afternoon.

Chevalier estimated the storm’s center will pass Hawaii Island about 400 miles to the south/southwest this weekend as it follows a west to northwest track. Kilo might strengthen to a hurricane by Tuesday afternoon as it shifts to the north, possibly toward Kauai.

There’s still a lot of uncertainty about its path two to three days out and it’s not clear how close Kilo could come to the Big Isle after it makes that northward shift, he cautioned.

Darryl Oliveira, Hawaii County Civil Defense administrator, said Friday afternoon it still was too early to estimate which areas could be most impacted by heavy rainfall. “It’s fairly large in size,” he said of the storm.

A high surf advisory also might be issued, Oliveira said.

Meanwhile, Gov. David Ige signed an emergency proclamation that activates the state’s major disaster fund in anticipation of Kilo’s arrival.

Chevalier said it’s unlikely the Big Island will see strong winds.

Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.