Flossie Barrels Toward Hawaii
If forecasters are correct, heavy rain, high surf and strong winds should be hitting the western edges of the Hawaiian Islands about the time of this posting (noon Monday).
Tropical Storm Flossie, the sixth named storm in the Pacific this year, is currently WNW of Hilo, Hawaii (the ‘big island’), traveling west at roughly 45 mph. It will strike Oahu later today. Due to its circulation, the heaviest rains are expected to occur south of its center — hitting the island of Hawaii, where flooding could occur. But its strongest winds are being generated farther north. Oahu is expected to feel wind gusts up to 40 knots.
Meanwhile some TransPac crews are preparing for their return trips to the West Coast, and some have already departed. The good news about Flossie, is that she is expected to get weaker, rather than stronger in the coming hours.