Tropical Storm Darby's heavy rainfall to be double-edged sword for Hawaii

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

July 24,2016; 11:41PM,EDT

 

 

Darby will continue to deliver locally heavy rain, gusty winds and rough surf to Hawaii into early Monday, but the tropical storm will provide long-term benefits.
Darby made landfall on Hawaii's Big Island on Saturday afternoon local time, in the vicinity of where Iselle made landfall in 2014. Darby will continue towards Kauai into early Monday, gradually weakening to a tropical depression.
Rain and gusty winds will continue to spread away from the Big Island to Kauai into Sunday night. Since Darby will slowly weaken, the Big Island has endured the most adverse impacts.
"The main impact from Darby will be in the form of significant rainfall," AccuWeather Meteorologist Evan Duffey said.

While the heaviest rain has departed the Big Island, the heaviest bands of rain across the rest of the islands will generally total 2-4 inches of rain. There can be isolated higher amounts along the eastern and southern slopes of the mountains. Localized flash flooding can result.
Emergency management reported on Saturday morning that flooding has closed a road in the Hamakua district of the Big Island. Flooding also closed another road near Kawa Flats.
Preliminary rainfall totals indicate that more than 5 inches fell along the eastern slope of Mauna Loa in the 24 hours ending early Sunday morning.
There will be occasional gusts of 30-40 mph across the island chain. Sporadic power outages and downed tree branches could occur.
RELATED:
Latest statistics on Darby
Hawaii weather center
AccuWeather East Pacific Basin hurricane center
As Darby made landfall, there were locally higher gusts on the Big Island. Winds gusted to 56 mph at Kohala Ranch on Saturday.
Dangerously rough seas will continue to pound the islands and threaten boaters, swimmers and surfers through Sunday night.
The east-facing beaches will face the highest surf and greatest risk for dangerous rip currents.
Despite the hazards and disruptions to weekend plans and vacations, Darby may be beneficial in one way.
"Much of Hawaii, especially away from the windward sides of the islands, is experiencing a drought," Duffy said. "The rainfall from Darby should put a dent in those conditions."
Latest satellite loop of Tropical Storm Darby. (Image/NOAA)
The majority of the abnormally dry and drought conditions are at the leeward locations, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. However, Hilo has only received 60 percent of its normal rainfall prior to Darby's arrival.
As Darby departs, locally drenching showers will persist across Kauai on Monday. Lingering showers over Oahu will diminish during the day. The rest of the islands will be humid with spotty afternoon sea-breeze showers.
A more typical trade wind shower pattern will resume by midweek.
Following Darby, the eastern Pacific Ocean remains active with Tropical Storm Frank and Hurricane Georgette. However, neither are expected to pose any risks to Hawaii.