Hurricane Madeline weakened rapidly as it neared the Hawaiian Islands early Wednesday, becoming a tropical storm just hours before its anticipated landfall on the Big Island.
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite collected visible and infrared data as Hurricane Madeline moved closer to the Big Island of Hawaii. The image, taken at approximately 09:00 p.m. HST on August 24, 2022, showed convection with colder cloud top temperatures near the storm's center. The coldest cloud top temperatures appear as red pixels in the infrared spectrum and typically represent areas of the most intense rainfall. At the time, Madeline maintained the strength of a Category 1 hurricane.
Hurricane Warning Issued for Big Island of Hawaii as Madeline Nears
The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for the Big Island of Hawaii on Tuesday, August 23, as Hurricane Madeline approached the islands. The hurricane warning means that hurricane-force winds are expected in the warning area within the next 24 hours.
Madeline was initially predicted to hit Hawaii as a Category 3 hurricane but weakened as it moved further from the equator and became affected by wind shear. Despite the downgrade, the storm still posed significant risks, including heavy rains, high waves, and flooding.
NOAA: Storm to Bring Flash Flooding, High Surf
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned of the potential for significant impacts, including flash flooding and high surf, due to Hurricane Madeline's proximity to the Big Island of Hawaii.
The NWS also issued a flood watch for the entire Big Island, with rainfall accumulations exceeding 10 inches anticipated in some areas. These heavy rains could cause landslides and road closures, further disrupting travel and causing extensive damage.
The storm was moving slowly toward the west at approximately 10 mph, meaning that it would bring prolonged rainfall to the affected areas, compounding its potential for localized flooding and significant impacts.
Precautions Taken in Hawaii as Madeline Draws Closer
In anticipation of Hurricane Madeline's landfall, officials in Hawaii took precautions to ensure the safety of residents and tourists alike.
State offices, schools, and non-essential businesses closed on Wednesday, August 24, as the hurricane approached. Residents stocked up on food and water and made preparations for potential power outages. Shelters were opened across the Big Island to provide refuge to those in need.
The full extent of the damage from Madeline would not be known until the hurricane had passed through the area. However, with the storm expected to bring substantial rainfall, the risk of flash flooding and damage to property remained high.
