...HIGH SURF WARNING FOR SOUTH FACING SHORES OF ALL ISLANDS TODAY... ...HIGH SURF WARNING FOR WEST FACING SHORES OF BIG ISLAND TODAY... ...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR EAST FACING SHORES OF ALL ISLANDS TODAY... .Southwest swell from Hurricane Lowell produced surf along south facing shores in excess of warning criteria overnight. This surf continues into the early morning hours, which may continue to bring damaging surf to portions of Kauai County with the potential for significant damage to coastal properties and infrastructure, particularly to those areas along the coast exposed to the southerly swell over the next several hours. Surf will quickly fall to advisory criteria and then below advisory criteria by tonight. A medium-period east swell from former Tropical Storm Karina combined with east to southeast wind wave generated by Hurricane Lowell will maintain advisory level surf along east facing shores this morning, but will drop below advisory levels by tonight. * WHAT...For south facing shores, surf 15 to 25 feet for Oahu, 12 to 20 feet for Maui County, and 12 to 16 feet for the Big Island rapidly declining through the day, becoming 6 to 8 feet by this afternoon. For west facing shores of the Big Island, surf building to 12 to 16 feet rapidly declining through the day. * WHERE...South facing shores of Kahoolawe, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu and the Big Island. West facing shores of the Big Island. * WHEN...Until 6 PM HST this evening. * IMPACTS...Very High...Expect ocean water surging and sweeping across beaches, coastal benches, and lava flows creating the potential for impacts to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways. Powerful longshore and rip currents will be present at most beaches. Large breaking waves and strong currents may impact harbor entrances and channels causing challenging boat handling.

HLSHFO This product covers the Hawaiian islands **HURRICANE LOWELL BEGINNING TO MOVE AWAY** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Kauai East, Kauai Mountains, Kauai North, Kauai South, Kauai Southwest, and Niihau - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Oahu, East Honolulu, Ewa Plain, Honolulu Metro, Koolau Leeward, Koolau Windward, Oahu North Shore, Olomana, Waianae Coast, and Waianae Mountains * STORM INFORMATION: - About 150 miles northwest of Lihue or about 240 miles northwest of Honolulu - 23.7N 160.7W - Storm Intensity 90 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 18 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Lowell has reached its closest point to the main Hawaiian Islands around midnight and will begin moving away from the islands this morning. However, this is not the time to let your guard down. Damaging winds, heavy flooding rainfall, and extremely dangerous and damaging surf will occur across the Hawaiian Islands at least through the morning, and possibly through the day. A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Kauai and Niihau, and a Tropical Storm Warning for Oahu. Current wind gusts appear to be in the 40 to 50 mph range on Kauai, and 30 to 40 mph range on Oahu. It is important to note that winds can be accelerated over and downwind of terrain, leading to areas of stronger wind gusts. Winds will rapidly drop of by this afternoon. Heavy downpours could lead to flash flooding on already saturated grounds. Lingering rain bands will continue into Wednesday as Lowell lifts away to the north and drags additonal tropical moisture in the southerly flow. Additional rainfall for this event are 2 to 4 inches on Kauai, 1 to 2 inches on Oahu and Maui County, and 3 to 6 inches on Big Island with higher amounts occurring on south and eastern slopes. A large south to southwest swell iwill continue this morning with heights of 15 to 20 feet across south and west facing shores of Kauai and 10 to 14 feet across the remaining south and west shorelines. Surf is forecast to rapidly drop off by this afternoon. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across Kauai and Niihau. Remain well sheltered from dangerous wind having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks or months. - Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over. - Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Widespread power and communications outages. Potential impacts from the main wind event are also now unfolding across Oahu. Remain well sheltered from wind having limited to extensive impacts. Elsewhere across the Hawaiian islands, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are unfolding across Kauai and Niihau. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having extensive impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. Potential impacts from the flooding rain are unfolding across the rest of the State of Hawaii. Remain well guarded against dangerous flood waters having significant impacts. * SURGE: Little to no additional impacts are anticipated at this time across the Hawaiian islands. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy. During the peak of the storm be ready to move quickly. Keep your shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather. Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making. If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities. Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins. If you are prone to flooding be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic rise in water levels. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Honolulu HI around 8 AM HST, or sooner if conditions warrant.