17 Jul 2022 | 03:02 AM UTC
US: Remnants of Darby tracking westward over North Pacific Ocean the evening of July 16 /update 2
Remnants of Darby tracking westward over North Pacific Ocean the evening of July 16; no landfall forecast.
Event
Remnants of Darby is tracking westward over the North Pacific Ocean as of the evening of July 16 after passing well south of the Island of Hawaii, Hawaii. As of 17:00 HST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 335 km (210 miles) southwest of Hilo, Hawaii.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will continue tracking westwards and dissipate in the North Pacific Ocean July 17. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
Darby is likely to produce rainfall of 2.5-7.5 cm (1-3 inches) over the windward portions of Big Island. The rain could result in minor flooding, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Large swells are forecast to affect portions of the Hawaiian Islands through July 17; the swells are likely to produce hazardous surf and dangerous rip current conditions.
As of the evening of July 16, authorities have issued tropical storm warnings for Hawaiian offshore waters including the portion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument east of French Frigate Shoals. Small craft advisories are in place across most of Hawaii's waters. High surf warnings are in effect for the south-facing shores of all Hawaiian Islands while high surf advisories are in place for the east-facing shore of the Big Island. Authorities have advised vessels using south-facing harbors to exercise caution when entering or leaving port and when mooring or launching. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days as the storm progresses.
Hawaii County officials have closed the south-shore beach parks through at least July 17 due to high surf and rough ocean conditions.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.
The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters can pose a serious health threat.
Advice
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
