Keith Johnson

Tropical Depression Fifteen-E should strengthen into a tropical storm later today as it slowly approaches the Big Island from the south, and may be a major hurricane when it makes its closest pass of the Big Island on Saturday. Heavy rain and flash floods are possible beginning tonight and increasing through the weekend from east to west across the Hawaiian Islands.   Forecasters believe this storm could bring extreme amounts of rain with catastrophic flooding possible on Friday and Saturday for the Big Island. The Big Island may also see hurricane-force winds surpassing 75 miles per hour on Friday and Saturday.   Hawaiʻi Island could receive 15 to 20 inches of rainfall with isolated totals up to 35 inches, while Maui could receive 5 to 10 inches with isolated totals up to 20 inches, creating the potential for life-threatening flooding and landslides, especially in steep terrain. Oʻahu could see up to 4 inches and Kauaʻi up to 3 inches.   Residents and visitors should take this threat very seriously. Prepare now, review emergency plans, prepare your property for flooding and damaging winds, and closely monitor official watches and warnings.    Please get signed up for local emergency alerts by visiting ready.hawaii.gov/alerts.   Storm updates are available at hurricanes.gov.