The two major storms simultaneously churning in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans have created a unique phenomenon, during this hurricane season. The potentially catastrophic Hurricane Florence is barreling towards the US southern coastline at the same time that Hurricane Olivia threatens Hawaii with heavy flooding.
While everyone’s focus remains on Cat 4 Hurricane Florence’s movement toward the Carolinas, the state of Hawaii is under a tropical storm warning, as a Tropical Storm Olivia is likely to make its landfall there.
Tropical Storm Olivia may bring flooding rains and gusty winds to the state's most populous islands. Gradual weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours, but Olivia is expected to remain a tropical storm as it moves over the main Hawaiian Islands.
According to the latest forecast, dangerous conditions may occur over Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Oahu. Five to ten inches of rain is possible across the islands, including the chance for 15 or more inches of rain near the mountains.
This much heavy rain occurring over a short period of time may lead to flash flooding and mudslides, especially in and around mountainous areas. Strong, gusty winds may also lead to downed trees, power outages, and minor structural damage. The worst of Olivia’s conditions should clear out of the Hawaiian Islands throughout the day on Wednesday.
As of Tuesday night, Florence was centered more than 600 miles east-southeast of Cape Fear, North Carolina, moving west/northwestward. Florence underwent rapid intensification as its winds jumped up from 120 kmph to 209 kmph in just 25 hours.
Florence is generating swells that are affecting parts of the U.S. East Coast. It is also spreading to Bermuda and coasts of the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, Hispañiola, the Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas. Life-threatening conditions are possible at these beaches.
Hurricane Florence is expected to lash the Carolinas on Thursday, as an intense hurricane with life-threatening storm surge, destructive winds and potentially catastrophic inland rainfall flooding.
Along with Virginia, Carolinas and Maryland, now state of emergency has been declared in the capital city of Washington as well. More than 1 million people have been asked to leave their homes and move to safer locations.
Image Credits - CIMSS