Preparing for severe weather is starting to seem a little too familiar to residents of the Big Island of Hawaii as they prepare for the second major tropical system expected to make landfall this season.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie has declared a state of emergency and residents are urged to make preparations for Tropical Storm Ana, which is expected to impact the islands this weekend. The storm is gradually strengthening and could become a hurricane later today.
Catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide says the storm is located 315 miles south-southwest of Hilo with 70 mph winds.
"Tropical Storm Ana is forecast to pass south of the Hawaiian archipelago this weekend," said AIR manager and principle scientist Scott Stransky in a press release. "Currently moving west-northwest with a forward speed of 14 mph, Tropical Storm Ana is anticipated to affect Hawaii's Big Island by this afternoon, bringing heavy rain and high waves. A tropical storm watch is currently in effect for Hawaii County. Rainfall accumulations of 6-8 inches are expected on the Big Island; significant rainfall may occur in the rest of the Hawaiian Islands over the weekend."
The wooden structures popular along the coast could see wind damage to roofs, signs and trees. There are concerns about mudslides since much of the ground is already saturated. Residents of the Big Island and Oahu have been urged to take proper precautions including stocking water in case the electricity is out for several days like it was following Tropical Storm Iselle.
The weather service has issued a flash flood watch for the entire state. Schools are closed on the Big Island and a concert scheduled for Saturday on Oahu has been cancelled. Wind gusts on Oahu could reach 40-50 mph.
Tropical Storm Iselle brought heavy rains and wind to the islands in August, knocking out power for tens of thousands on several islands and causing mudslides on the Big Island.
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