Hurricane Felicia, which was downgraded to a Category 2 storm system overnight, still has the potential to impact Oahu with bouts of severe weather beginning Sunday night or early Monday morning, the city Department of Emergency Management announced this afternoon.

“The Central Pacific Hurricane Center advised us today that even if Felicia becomes a  weak Tropical Storm or Depression that she will still be drawing a lot of moisture with her that could  create flood producing rainfall,” said Melvin Kaku, director of the Department of Emergency Management.  “Meteorologists have informed us to be prepared for the onset of storm-generated high surf along our east-facing shores where surf heights could range from eight to fifteen feet. The effects of high surf and increased wind speeds could begin Sunday evening.”
 
“I want to sincerely thank our residents who over the last few days have made a serious effort to prepare themselves and their families for Hurricane Felicia,” Mayor Mufi Hannemann said in the city release. “Unfortunately we are not in the clear yet. Felicia continues to threaten the State of Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu and we continue to face an increased risk of severe flooding. I ask that our residents add flood safety preparations to their emergency planning over the weekend.”
 
The Department of Emergency Management urges residents and businesses to consider the following flood safety precautions: