United States | Latest developments | Update

Level: Advisory
Location: Hawaii - United States
Category: Cyclone, Flood, Transport disruption

Exercise caution and follow all official directives over the coming days in Hawaii state amid the passage of a tropical depression. The weather system formed around 960 miles (1,545km) south-east of Hawaii and is currently moving north-westwards towards the state. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), it is forecast to pass south of Hawaii, bringing heavy rainfall across the state between 22 and 24 August. Currently, the tropical depression is not forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm, though the strength and trajectory of the storm is liable to change.

Advice

• Monitor the National Weather Service and NHC websites for up-to-date information on prevailing weather conditions and plan itineraries accordingly.
• Liaise with local contacts to reconfirm the feasibility of road journeys prior to setting out. Allow additional time for travel. We do not hold specific information on flights or other modes of transport. Contact the relevant airport or airline to confirm the status of flights before setting out. In the event of cancellations, your travel agent will be able to assist with alternative arrangements.
• Flash flooding and mudslides are possible following prolonged spells of rain. Ensure routes are clear prior to departure and allow additional time for journeys. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. If you come upon one, find an alternative route to your destination.
• Tropical storm conditions may cause disruption to essential services, such as electricity, in affected areas. Charge all communications devices and keep backup batteries.
• Monitor our US alerts for updates.

More detail

Impact

No tropical storm watches or warnings are currently in effect. However, the NHC has said that such advisories may be issued in the coming hours. Heavy rainfall of up to 15 inches (38 cm) is forecast on Hawaii Island (Big Island) and up to five inches (13 cm) across the rest of the state.

Following the passage of Hurricane Lala on 15-17 August, parts of Hawaii remain particularly vulnerable to flooding and landslides due to saturated ground conditions. Recovery efforts are still ongoing on parts of the Hawaii Island, where rainfall totals during the hurricane reached up to 40 inches (101 cm). Around 15,000 people remain without electricity across the state.

Level: Advisory
Location: Columbus, environs - United States
Category: Flood, Storm, Road disruption

Exercise caution in and around Ohio state’s capital Columbus over the coming hours and plan necessary journeys accounting for flash flooding. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), up to 4.5 inches (11cm) of rain earlier on 20 August fell in Franklin county, which includes Columbus, as well as neighbouring Fairfield and Licking counties. Disruption has been reported on Interstate 71 (I-71) and State Route 161 (SR-161), as well as other roads in the area. The emergency services have also undertaken water rescues in Pataskala (Licking). There are no confirmed casualties thus far. Follow official directives, including any evacuation orders.

Advice

• Further adverse weather is liable to cause short-notice disruption to transport and essential services in affected areas. Consult the NWS website for up-to-date weather forecasts and related warnings. Follow official directives, including any short-notice evacuation orders.
• People in low-lying areas should avoid rivers and other bodies of water, which are susceptible to flooding, storm surges and landslides. Seek higher ground if currently in an affected area.
• Avoid floodwaters, which may be electrically charged due to underground or fallen power lines. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or those affected by mudslides. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route to your destination. If caught on a submerged road where the water is rising rapidly, get out of your vehicle and move to higher ground.
• Disruption to essential services, such as electricity, may occur in affected areas. Charge all communications devices and keep backup batteries.
• Monitor our US alerts for updates.

Level: Advisory
Location: Dehesa - United States
Category: Wildfires, Road disruption

Exercise caution and abide by official directives in San Diego county (California state) over the coming hours amid a wildfire. The ‘Dehesa 7 Fire’ broke out earlier on 19 August near the 6100 block of Dehesa Road. It has since spread to 0.14 square miles (0.37 sq km) and is zero percent contained. An evacuation order is in effect for the immediate area and the authorities have closed nearby roads amid response efforts. There are no reports of related injuries thus far. Further short-notice evacuation orders and associated road closures are possible.

Advice

• Monitor the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection website and the San Diego Fire-Rescue X page for up-to-date details on the wildfire. Plan travel in the area accordingly.
• Expect a heightened emergency services presence in the affected area and follow all official directives, including any evacuation orders.
• Reconfirm the status of routes before setting out and allow additional time for journeys due to potential road closures and traffic delays. Where possible, plan routes avoiding the affected area to minimise inconvenience.
• Monitor our US alerts for updates.