UPDATE 11 a.m.: At 11 a.m. Tropical Depression Flossie is 100 miles east-northeast of Hilo.
Maximum sustained winds are 35 mph with locally higher gusts. The storm is moving to the west-northwest at 12 mph.
This motion will continue today, followed by a turn toward the northwest through dissipation late Tuesday night or Wednesday.
On the forecast track, the system will move near the main Hawaiian Islands today and Tuesday. Although little change in strength is expected in the next 36 hours, Flossie is expected to become a post-tropical remnant low later today or tonight and dissipate by Wednesday.
A flash flood watch and high surf advisory remains in effect for Hawaii Island.
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A flash flood watch is in effect for Hawaii Island as Flossie, now a tropical depression continues its track toward Hawaii.
That watch is in effect “until late tonight,” according to the National Weather Service.
A high surf warning has been downgraded to a high surf advisory.
As of 5 a.m. today, the center of the storm was located 155 miles east of Hilo. Flossie has maximum sustained winds of 35 mph with higher gusts. The storm is moving to the west-northwest at 15 mph.
Little change in strength is forecast during the next couple of days. Flossie is expected to become a post-tropical remnant low later today, and dissipate late Tuesday or Tuesday night.
Moisture associated with Flossie will spread over portions of the main Hawaiian Islands during the next couple of days, bringing the potential for heavy rainfall. Total rainfall amounts of 1 to 4 inches are expected, with localized higher amounts possible.
Hawaii Island residents should be prepared for heavy rain, flash flooding, gusty winds and possible thunderstorms today.
Hawaii County Civil Defense said this morning all county beach parks are open, but may be closed without prior notice due to dangerous weather conditions. The Bayfront parking lot on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo will remain closed until further notice. And the county’s Hele On bus will continue to pick up and drop off passengers behind Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
