Hawaii Prepares for Tropical Storm Ana

Tune-in to The Weather Channel TV network to watch live coverage on Tropical Storm Ana. To keep you safe and informed of the latest breaking news, our regular programming will be suspended until the threat has passed.

Hawaii is preparing for a brush with heavy rain and wind as meteorologists warn Ana will take a pass by the islands this weekend.

Ana, currently a tropical storm, is expected to briefly reach hurricane strength before moving by Hawaii as a tropical storm. The storm is on track to pass south of the Big Island Saturday morning, then south of Maui, Molokai, Lani and Kahoolawe Saturday evening Hawaii Time. Sunday is likely the closest approach to Oahu.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie declared a state of emergency for the entire state, but the Big Island will see the earliest impacts starting Friday night local time. Shelters in Hawaii County open at noon, while public schools, state parks and libraries on the Big Island remain closed.

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Ana is the third tropical system to threaten Hawaii in 2014 — a rarity. Iselle hit as a Tropical Storm Aug. 8, knocking out power to thousands and saddling some areas with more than 14 inches of rain. A few days later, Hurricane Julio threatened, but ultimately passed north. 

This time, Ana is likely will bring 40 to 50 mph winds to the Big Island's Kau, Puna and South Kona districts. Power outages and downed trees are possible. High surf is also part of the mixture.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports people living in flood-prone areas in Hawaii County were urged to move to higher ground, though no mandatory evacuations had been ordered yet.

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The weather service issued a flash flood watch for the entire state from Friday through Sunday, indicating flooding is possible anywhere in the archipelago, said Chris Brenchley, a weather service meteorologist.

Between 5 to 10 inches of rain may fall, though locally some areas could get 20 inches or more, he said.

It could bring 40 mph to 50 mph winds to Oahu — which is home to Honolulu, the state's biggest city — and Kauai. Gusts could reach up to 75 mph near the storm's center.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. on Thursday proclaimed an emergency to help his county respond to storm damage on Kauai and Niihau islands.

State officials and Civil Air Patrol personnel have hiked and flown to Kalalau Valley, Polihale and other remote parts of Kauai to tell campers about the approaching storm, the county said.

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