Hawaii Braces for More Flooding as New Storm Looms

Hawaii is once again facing the threat of significant rainfall and potential flooding as a new tropical system, currently Tropical Depression Two-C, is forecast to pass south of the islands on August 23-24. The National Hurricane Center anticipates this system could bring between 5 to 10 inches of rain to the Big Island, with isolated totals potentially reaching 15 inches. For the rest of the Hawaiian Islands, rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are expected, with a maximum of 5 inches. These conditions raise concerns for life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrains and areas recently affected by Tropical Depression Lala. At the time of the forecast update on August 20, the disturbance was moving west-northwestward about 900 miles east-southeast of Hilo. Its path is expected to be similar to Hurricane Lala but farther south, though forecasters caution that the track could still shift. Power outages continue to affect thousands across the Big Island, with over 13,000 customers still without electricity on August 20.