Wali is no longer a tropical storm, but still poses a threat to the Hawaiian Islands with heavy rain. It’s due to arrive Saturday morning at the Big Island’s doorstep.
Wali, the first named storm to form in the Central Pacific this hurricane season, was downgraded to remnants of a tropical depression but will potentially deliver heavy rain and thunderstorms and cause flash flooding this weekend through Monday on all of the islands.
"There is not going to be an area or location that will be spared," National Weather Service meteorologist Anthony Reynes said. "Everybody will experience rain and an additional chance of localized thunderstorms."
The National Weather Service has issued a statewide flash flood watch starting at 6 p.m. Sunday and wrapping up at 6 p.m. Monday.
At 8 p.m. Friday the bulk of the rain was 680 miles south of Hawaii island.
The wet weather will probably start as early as Saturday morning on Hawaii island, with showers increasing over the windward and southeastern slopes of the island.
The heaviest rain will arrive Saturday evening on Hawaii island and Maui, Reynes said.
By Sunday the effects of Wali will have spread to the entire state.
Heavy rain will hit windward areas, and there is a chance of showers spreading into leeward areas of all islands.
A slight chance of thunderstorms will remain in effect throughout all islands all day Sunday and into Monday.
The weather service advises people to make the right decisions to stay safe.
"Parents, do not let children play near streams or areas historically known for flooding," Reynes warned. And "don’t drive through flooded roads. That’s one of the biggest problems in Hawaii."
PARKS, FORESTS CLOSED
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is closing several state park and forest areas this weekend as a precaution in anticipation of heavy rain and possible flash flooding:
Hawaii island:
>> Muliwai Trail and Waimanu Valley campground. Campers holding permits are being notified. It should reopen Tuesday.
Maui:
>> Makawao Forest Reserve and Kula Forest Reserve, including Polipoli Spring State Park, effective noon Saturday.
Kauai:
>> Kalalau Trail may be closed. DLNR will monitor the weather and close the trail if weather conditions warrant.
>> Kayakers on the Wailua River are advised to be aware of possible rising waters and debris.
Source: State Department of Land and Natural Resources
