Tropical Storm Flossie Approaches Hawaii

Tropical Storm Flossie is already starting to encroach on Hawaii Monday, as residents prepare for the worst.

National Weather Service officials have issued a "tropical storm warning" for Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.

The state is doing its best to get prepared: Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie signed an emergency proclamation which will allow the state "to cover staff overtime and other expenses, allowing emergency procurement of needed supplies and resources, as well as activation of the National Guard, if needed." Eight emergency shelters have opened, and the U.S. Coast Guard has closed three ports, as well as college campuses and courts.

Meteorologist Michael Cantin said "wind gusts will likely be able to knock down power poles and blow away loose objects" and that people should be careful "trying to walk or drive across water" in the case of floods. According to Contin, "six inches of water [can] knock you off your feet" and it only takes "twelve to move a vehicle."

The National Weather Service's Central Pacific Hurricane Center issued the following description of what to expect over the next 24 hours:

Although Flossie showed some weakening overnight hours, it's still remaining a significant threat. This storm will bring a variety of weather hazards to the state over the next 30 to 40 hours, though these could be summarized as heavy rain, strong wind, high seas, and elevated surf. The Big Island will start to suffer these effects later this morning, but the other islands are likely to experience them as well from later today into Tuesday.