Hawaii Officials Gear Up For Potential Storms

HONOLULU -- Government teams on Oahu and Kauai are gearing up for potentially destructive weather as forecasters predict heavy rains and possible floods to move in Friday and into the weekend.

Officials with the city's Department of Emergency Management urged extreme caution for residents as weather forecast models show the heavy rains and flooding that could move in over the weekend.

"This looks to be the biggest rain producer of the winter season to date and we need to be prepared and aware of the hazards that floods and heavy rains can create," Mayor Mufi Hannemann said in a written statement.

Officials said residents along Windward Oahu should be prepared for the type of flooding that hit in March 2006. There is the potential for flooding, minor landslides and closed roads, officials said.

"If you have experienced flood conditions, in the past we highly recommend you consider some basic protective actions such as acquiring sandbags or plastic tarps," Department of Emergency Management operations officer Peter Hirai said.

State Department of Transportation leaders ordered crews to clear streams near areas with problems draining. Crews are also moving heavy equipment into the areas with a history of flooding.

Stay with KITV, KITV.com and Island Weather NOW on digital cable Channel 126 for the latest from our weather team.