Hawaii – Tropical Storm Ana

Tropical Storm Ana continues to move northwestward in the Pacific Ocean toward the Big Island of Hawaii. The storm will likely briefly strengthen to a hurricane as it skirts the southwestern coast of Hawaii Island late Oct.17 to early Oct. 18, bringing tropical-storm force winds to the affected areas. Meteorologists currently predict that the storm will not directly hit any of the islands, but will continue along their southwestern shores. The current track of the storm does not have it passing close enough to the Big Island to significantly weaken, indicating further severe conditions are likely on Oahu and Kauai Oct. 18-20. Torrential rainfall will produce flash flooding with the threat of mudslides. Flight delays and cancellations are likely at most airports serving Hawaii, including those at Hilo, Kamuela, Keahole, and Honolulu. Ground transportation disruptions may also occur. Inter-island ferry service will be disrupted, and Ana could prompt officials to suspend operations at seaports, particularly Hilo and Honolulu. The storm will also probably bring swells to the Hawaiian islands’ eastern shores, which might prompt officials to close beaches as it approaches. Sporadic utility and communication outages may occur.