Forecaster says 'potent' storm system near Islands

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i residents should brace themselves for another round of wet and wild weather beginning as early as Thursday night.

The National Weather Service yesterday said its computers show a "potent storm system" developing near the Islands. Although it is too early to determine details, the system could bring strong southwest winds with gusts exceeding 50 mph and thunderstorms, said lead forecaster Hans Rosendal.

"There's the potential for some strong gusty winds blowing down the Ko'olau into Kane'ohe, Kailua, Waimanalo, those places," Rosendal said. "Usually with southwest winds, the winds come over the Ko'olaus and then they blow down slope and pick up speed."

He said the bad weather could last until Saturday.

Rosendal said this week's severe weather "probably won't be as intense" as storms in January. But he said it could cause flooding.

On the Big Island, the system could drop several inches of snow above the 12,000-foot level on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Strong winds and snow drifts could cause near-blizzard conditions, he said.

Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8025.