Large ocean swell ahead of the hurricane may reach island shores while the storm is several hundred miles away. As the hurricane nears the coastline, rapidly rising water levels from the wind-driven waves and storm surge will inundate coastal areas, erode beaches, and pound and undermine waterfront structures and roadways. In 1992, Hurricane Iniki's high waves and storm surge devastated the south shore of Kauai to elevations over 20 feet above sea level. Be sure to follow any evacuation instructions given by the civil defense authorities. In Hawaii, mountainous terrain accelerates hurricane and tropical storm winds causing extremely high winds that can destroy buildings, structures, trees, vegetation and crops.
Ridge tops and exposed locations downslope from the mountains are at greatest risk.
Remain indoors during the period of strongest winds since debris carried by the wind can become deadly missiles. Beware of the momentary calm that occurs with the passage of the hurricane's eye. Winds will increase rapidly from the opposite direction on the other side of the eye as the center of the hurricane moves forward. Heavy rain and flash flooding Heavy and prolonged rains can accompany all types of tropical cyclones including hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical depressions. Even the weakest tropical depressions can bring torrential rains and flash flooding to the Hawaiian Islands.