Tropical Storm Jimena produces high surf on eastern shores

HONOLULU — Weather forecasters say they expect high surf from Tropical Storm Jimena to continue to affect Hawaiian shores and a coastal flood warning remains in effect through Monday.

According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, large and powerful long-period swells will produce hazardous and potentially life-threatening surf in the main Hawaiian islands over the next couple of days, primarily along the east and northeast facing shores.

Tropical Storm Jimena is 555 miles northeast of Hilo and is weakening as it moves northwest at 10 mph.

John Bravender, a meteorologist with the center, said residents will be spared from the typical impacts from the storm though.

“With this forecast, we’re not expecting direct impacts from wind or widespread heavy rain associated with storms,” he said.

However, residents can expect to see some stormy weather later in the week.

“We are expecting another increase in tropical moisture behind (the storm) during the second half of the week that could lead to localized heavy rain and potential for flooding,” Bravender said. “But it will be removed from Jimena itself.”

Forecasters said this hurricane season has been exceptionally active.

“El Nino years tend to be more active than normal for us and so far we’ve already exceeded our season outlook,” Bravender said. “An average hurricane season is four to five tropical cyclones. This year we were expecting an active season and our active season called for five to eight. Jimena is No. 9, and we still have a fair amount of time left in hurricane season.”

The hurricane season in the central Pacific is June 1 through Nov. 30.