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Tropical Storm Watch issued for Hawaii Island as Niala churns southeast, will bring wind, rain and high surf

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The 11 p.m. Friday (Sept 25) Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecast for Tropical Storm Niala continues tracking south of Hawaii Island. The system was located about 325 miles (525 km) southeast of Hilo and is moving northwest at 8 mph (13 km/h). Maximum sustained winds are 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts.

Tropical storm force winds extend up to 80 miles (130 km) from the center. The center of Niala will pass about 100-150 miles south of Hawaii Island later Sunday.

The CPHC forecast calls for the system to gradually strengthen over the next day or two. Because of the outward winds of Niala a tropical storm watch has been issued for Hawaii Island. Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches are forecast with isolated maximum amounts up to 16 inches on Hawaii Island.

The heavy rainfall can cause life-threatening flash floods as well as rockslides and mudslides. A Flash flood watch has been issued for Hawaii Island begining tonight and through the weekend.

Swells powered by Tropical Storm Niala will produce higher surf along the east and southeast facing shores of Hawaii Island starting this weekend and into early next week.

For a reminder of how to prepare for a possible tropical storms and hurricanes read HELCO’s tips or go to our ‘Be Prepared’ menu near the top of this page.

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