Although Tropical Storm Flossie has weakened in its approach to Hawaii, the National Weather Service (NWS) is urging residents on the island chain to prepare for intense weather that the storm is expected to bring.
The NWS has put into effect a tropical storm warning Monday as Flossie reaches the Big Island and continues to move westward on a path to the rest of the islands on Monday night. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph are expected, as is possible flooding as waves may reach up to 18 feet.
Mudslides, tornadoes and waterspouts are also possibilities as Flossie bears down on the island chain, according to the NWS.
"For the folks on the Big Island and Maui, if you're preparing your home, you should be rushing those preparations to completion," said Machain Cantin, a meteorologist with the NWS in Honolulu. "By the time you get up in the morning, the storm's already going to be there and you won't have any time."
Tropical storm warnings are currently in effect for Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, Molokai and Lanai.
According to a report from Yahoo! News, the Governor of Hawaii has signed an emergency proclamation ahead of the storm's arrival, allowing the state disaster fund to provide for resources including staff overtime, supplies and other necessities.
Flossie is expected to dump up to 10 inches of rain with higher amounts in localized locations. On the Big Island and Maui, 12 to 18 foot waves are anticipated, while smaller but still dangerously high swells are forecast for the other islands.
In preperation for the storm, the Coast Guard closed the ports of Hilo and Hawaihae on the Big Island and Kahului in Maui to all traffic as of Sunday night. All cargo operations in the ports will be secured by early Monday morning.
Captain Shannon Gilreath, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port, has declared Heavy Weather Condition II for the ports and is urging local mariners to review their heavy weather plans and remain up to date on Flossie forecasts.
The Coast Guard has also urged mariners and residents to plan and prepare for the tropical storm, which is expected to last through Wednesday.