Hawaii is preparing for a brush with heavy rain and wind as meteorologists warn Ana will take a pass by the islands this weekend.
Ana, currently a tropical storm, is expected to briefly reach hurricane strength before moving by Hawaii as a tropical storm. The storm is on track to pass south of the Big Island Saturday morning, then south of Maui, Molokai, Lani and Kahoolawe Saturday evening Hawaii Time. Sunday is likely the closest approach to Oahu.
Ana is the third tropical system to threaten Hawaii in 2014 — a rarity. Iselle hit as a Tropical Storm Aug. 8, knocking out power to thousands and saddling some areas with more than 14 inches of rain. A few days later, Hurricane Julio threatened, but ultimately passed north.
This time, Ana is likely will bring 40 to 50 mph winds to the Big Island's Kau, Puna and South Kona districts. Power outages and downed trees are possible. High surf is also part of the mixture.
The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports people living in flood-prone areas in Hawaii County were urged to move to higher ground, though no mandatory evacuations had been ordered yet.
The soil in the Kau district already is heavily saturated from recent thunderstorms, raising the risk of flooding there.
Link: http://www.wunderground.com/news/hawaii-prepares-ana-20141017
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