Deep tropical moisture associated with Tropical Storm Niala will likely reach parts of the main Hawaiian Islands this weekend.
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CLOSE…BUT NOT TOO CLOSE – Tropical Storm Niala is expected to veer west – turning south of the state.
NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center noted that Niala was moving toward the northwest near 7 miles per hour (11 kph).
The storm’s maximum sustained winds Wednesday night are 40 mph (65 kph) with little change in strength forecast over the next 48 hours. The greatest threat to the Big Island with Niala will be torrential rain and flash flooding. Expect more of the same into the afternoon.
A satellite photo of Ida at 11 a.m. today. The AIRS infrared data also showed that the system was moving through warm waters near 28 to 29 Celsius (82.4 to 84.2 Fahrenheit) which helped it strengthen into a depression and later into a tropical storm. Additionally, loose objects, tree branches and weak structures may blow around or break. Total rainfall of 6 to 12 inches is expected with highest amounts along south- and east-facing slopes. Its track is expected to move west over the weekend, but may have some difficulty staying a tropical system.
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CPHC notes that tropical storm force winds are possible on the Big Island on Sunday.
