Wali, the first named storm to form in the Central Pacific this hurricane season, blew toward Hawaii island Thursday full of heavy rain, bringing the risk of flooding.
The National Weather Service issued a flash-flood watch for all islands from 6 p.m. Saturday through 6 p.m. Monday.
BE PREPARED
» Have seven days’ worth of food, supplies and medications on hand for both humans and animals.
» Develop redundant sources of warning and buy a battery or crank-operated radio. Information on emergency notification systems can be found at:
Kauai — www.kauai.gov.
Oahu — www.nixle.com.
Maui County — www.co.maui.hi.us/list.aspx.
Hawaii island — Email civildefense@hawaiicounty.gov and request enrollment in the emergency notification system. Include a cellphone number.
» Find out whether you live or work in a flood zone by checking sites like www.floodsmart.gov.
» Make sure drainage systems on or near your property are properly maintained.
» Monitor local news for the latest information.
Source: Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management
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Although Wali was expected to weaken, it was still forecast to deliver heavy rain and humidity across the islands this weekend as it chugged within 1,000 miles east-southeast of Hilo on Thursday night.
When Tropical Depression One-C reached tropical storm strength at noon Thursday with 45 mph winds and higher gusts, the newly renamed Wali offered emergency management officials the opportunity to remind people about the threats of tropical storms and the need to be ready with seven days’ worth of food, medications and supplies for both humans and pets.
"We can’t forget the other family here, too," said Melvin Kaku, director of Honolulu’s Department of Emergency Management, referring to the animals. "In general, in the Pacific, we are always subject to some kind of natural disaster and we should always be prepared, especially because we’re an island community and remotely isolated by comparison to the mainland."
Shelly Kunishige, spokeswoman for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, formely known as state Civil Defense, reminded people to reduce their risks of flooding from heavy rain by making sure gutters and nearby creeks and streams are clear of debris.
"Know your risk of flood and sign up for redundant notification services for warnings," Kunishige said.
According to the Hawaiian Dictionary, wali means "smooth, thin, as poi." It also has a second meaning of "supple, limber, as a dancer’s body."
Wali increased in strength since Wednesday and was churning toward Hawaii island at a rate of 6 mph Thursday. It had no discernable eye.
"It looks to be moving rather slowly," said weather service meteorologist Ian Morrison. "It has about 12 to 24 hours to maintain itself or strengthen slightly, then will weaken dramatically in the 24-hour range."
Although Wali was expected to weaken and drop back into a tropical depression, it was still forecast to dump heavy showers and generate a lot of humidity Saturday night through Monday night, Morrison said.
Rain from the storm is expected to reach Hawaii island and Maui on Saturday night and the other islands Sunday.
"Muggy conditions will prevail," the weather service said, and heavy rain could drop as much as 2 inches per hour.
