The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm watch for most of Hawaii, including the Big Island, as Hurricane Olivia continues to make its way toward Hawaii.
A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.
As of 5 p.m. Olivia was about 595 miles east-northeast of Hilo, packing maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. The cyclone was moving to the west at 12 mph. A west-southwest motion is expected to begin later tonight.
On the forecast track, Olivia will be approaching the main Hawaiian Islands later Tuesday and Tuesday night.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the storm’s center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles.
Little change in strength is forecast during the next 36 hours, with gradual weakening expected afterward.
Gov. David Ige signed an emergency proclamation that will provide relief for disaster damages, losses and suffering caused by Hurricane Olivia. Even if Olivia arrives as a tropical storm, as predicted, Hawaii is in danger of experiencing high winds, heavy rains, high surf, storm surges and flooding that threaten to harm communities and cause extensive damage to public and private property across the state.
The proclamation, which expires on Sept. 17, declares the counties of Hawaii, Maui, Kalawao, Kauai and the City and County of Honolulu disaster areas for the purpose of implementing emergency management functions. The proclamation also authorizes the expenditure of state monies as appropriated for the speedy and efficient relief of damages, losses, and suffering resulting from Hurricane Olivia.
“We’re monitoring this storm closely and taking steps now to ensure that we’re prepared for its impacts to the state. A tropical storm could bring heavy rain and flooding, especially in places that are saturated from previous storms. Now is the time to prepare,” Ige said in a statement.
Recommended items for a survival kit can be found on the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.