Hilda To Bring Rain, Rough Surf to Hawaii at Late Week

By Brett Rathbun, AccuWeather.com Meteorologist

August 11,2015; 11:14PM,EDT

 

 

Hilda, currently a tropical storm, is set to bring rain, wind and dangerous surf to Hawaii by the end of the week.
Most of the Hawaiian Islands escaped the worst of Guillermo's impacts last week. The islands will now have to be prepared for yet another tropical system that could have more significant impact.
"The expected track of Hilda will bring the threat of locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the Big Island as early as Thursday, local time," AccuWeather Meteorologist Evan Duffey said.
Strong winds aloft will cause Hilda to weaken slowly this week as it tracks to the west-northwest.
Satellite image of Hilda (Image/NOAA) Hilda became a Category 4 hurricane on Saturday but has slowly weakened due to the strong winds aloft.
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Rough surf was the main impact Hawaii faced when Guillermo dissipated well north of the islands.
According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski, Hilda is likely to track much farther south than Guillermo and could take a track more similar to Iselle in 2014.
"Because of this track grazing or just missing the islands to the south, there is the potential for impact similar to Iselle," Sosnowski said.

"Rough surf and increased rip currents have already arrived to the eastern shores of the Big Island and will spread across the rest of the Hawaiian Islands this week," Duffey said.
Small craft operators should consider remaining in port late this week, as seas will build. Bathers, boarders and boaters should heed all advisories as they are issued.
Heavy rainfall has already fallen across portions of the islands during the month of August. Hilo, Hawaii, has already received more than 5 inches of rain this month, nearly twice the normal rainfall for August.

The heaviest rain bands may lead to localized flash flooding, especially across areas that have seen large amounts of rain so far this month. Any downpours could also lead to reduced visibility and the risk of hydroplaning for motorists traveling at highway speeds.
Locally gusty winds in the bands of rain or squalls can cause sporadic power outages.
"While Hilda will bring the risk of localized flooding and rough seas, it can also bring beneficial rain to parts of the islands," Sosnowski said.