HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
The Hawaiian Islands are on watch for some unusual storms and flash flooding, though the initial possibility of a category two hurricane reaching the island this week has been mostly ruled out, as Tropical Depression Kilo continues to move northwest away from the islands (originally it was thought Kilo might reverse course).
According to AccuWeather.com Honolulu received nearly three inches of rain in less than 12 hours on Sunday and more storms are expected as a result of the tropical depression's proximity to the islands.
Even though Kilo is now tracking away from Hawaii, there are flash flood warnings in effect until late in the day on Tuesday and the area is still seeing a combination of shallow warm water and low wind shear, which is what can cause a tropical depression to develop into a tropical storm and even a minimal hurricane.
Currently the mood is cautious on the islands as the movement of Kilo is what will determine how much rain and wind reaches Niihau, Kauai and Oahu. And many residents are actually happy to see the rain, as portions of the islands are experiencing abnormal dryness or even a moderate drought.
Even though Kilo has turned away, parts of the Hawaiian Islands will continue to see rain throughout the week. So far 2015 has been an above-average year for tropical cyclone activity.
