Hurricane WARNING for the Big Island!! Tropical Storm Watch for Maui and Lanai This is the latest observation of Tropical Storm Lala now has it at 60 mph winds. Flooding rains, with perhaps catastrophic flood levels, are likely on the Big Island. Be prepared to evacuate if you live in a low or flood-prone area. As 85 mph winds are forecast, a hurricane warning  has been issued for The Big Island (the Island of Hawaii). The amber color on the map is the region with 40 mph or stronger winds. Preparations on the Big Island should be completed by Friday evening at the latest.  A tropical storm watch has been issued for Maui and Lanai.  H = hurricane,  S = tropical storm. All of the Hawaiian Chain will experience dangerous surf and a storm surge.  The interaction with the mountains on the Island of Hawaii are expected to slightly weaken Lala. However, it will remain a strong tropical storm as it passes to the south. I will update the forecast tomorrow morning. 

Satellite image from just before noon shows strengthening Imelda east of Florida and weakening Humberto east of North Carolina. The map shows the hurricane warning for Bermuda with the storm forecast to have winds of nearly 100 mph by the time it passes over or very near the Island. The brown area is the current region of hurricane force winds and the amber is the area of tropical storm force winds.  The storms will bring life-threatening ("high") rip currents to the East Coast (red) today and tomorrow.