So it looks like the Big Island dodged a bullet. Flossie has been downgraded to tropical storm status. She did not make a landing and actually slowed down considerably as she hit colder waters and passed South of the Big Island. There were heavy rains and lots of huge waves. We'll get a damage report tonite. The storm is on track to swing close to but not touch Maui and Oahu (200 miles and 180 miles clearance, respectively). On Oahu, we are seeing an uptick in gusty trade winds. All East facing beaches will get rough surf, meaning most of Waikiki. I am unsure as to how much rain we'll get but I am not getting any right now on Oahu. Remarkably, good forecast info for Maui and Oahu has not been highlighted in the local media. According to forecasts at Weather.com, Oahu should get some rain tomorrow and some gusty winds but there are no major warnings or anything like that. Then again, hurricanes can do funny things and should Flossie turn to the East, even in her weakened state, she could wreak havoc by landing on Oahu or Maui.

—Alex, 08/15/07