Iselle Drenches Hawaii

Iselle weakened to a tropical storm at landfall on the Big Island early Friday morning. However the storm’s forward speed slowed to near 10 mph, which unfortunately means rain rates of 5″ plus will be allowed to linger over Hawaii. Rain totals above 12″ could cause rapid flooding and mudslides, especially on the north and east facing hills of the Big Island with coastal flooding and roadway damage possible near Hilo and Hilo Bay. For the other islands from Maui, Oahu and Kauai included the main effects will be bands of brief downpours, isolated thunder and wind gusts near 45 mph. By Saturday as Iselle moves westward away from Hawaii conditions should improve.Hurricane Julio is still expected to make a turn to the NW and away from the Hawaiian Islands over the weekend, however will maintain hurricane strength with winds of at least 75 mph as it does so. This bears some watching as any deviation from the path could bring tropical storm force winds and some rain further south to clip Oahu and Kauai by Sunday.Rob Mayeda