2:30 PM UPDATE: LIGHTNING has been firing up across the islands as ANA passes to our South. When the deep tropical air mass interacts with our island terrain, we are seeing thunderstorms quickly develop and we can continue to see this as Ana tracks over our waters. -Right now, ANA is located 130 miles SSW of Honolulu. The wind field of tropical force winds is extending 105 miles from the center of Ana. Since Ana is a slow mover... we will continue to see rain dumped on spots into the night. Ana is moving toward the northwest near 10 mph. A continued decrease in forward speed will occur this afternoon, with a gradual turn to the west-northwest expected tonight. Fortunately, she wont start turning NORTH until she passes the islands. RECON AIRPLANE HURRICANE TRACKER... continues to take samples of Anas environment and observations to help us watch her every move and behavior. A further turn toward the west is expected on Sunday then eventually towards the NW. On the forecast track, the center of Ana will pass about 120-130 miles southwest of Oahu this afternoon, about 115-120 miles southwest of Kauai tonight, and 90-100 miles south of Niihau tonight and Sunday. KAUAI AND NIIHAU will be the closest of the islands to ANAs center (but still a decent distance from it)--- but since tropical force winds extend 105 miles from the center... they may experience the outer edge of that. Also... in areas thunderstorms form... expect brief downpours, dangerous lightning and periods of wind. BE SAFE. It may be nice to plan a cozy evening indoors watching a good movie or catching up on a book :) -- but we are fortunate that ANA is keeping her distance and we are seeing the outer bands and thunderstorms associated with her along with big surf... rather than the *most* powerful part of the storm (near the center). #hiwx #hnn #hawaii #hawaiiweather
Posted on: Sun, 19 Oct 2014 01:11:01 +0000