Hawaii is likely to escape the worst, but not all, of Guillermo’s impacts as the tropical storm passes north of the islands Wednesday through Thursday.

AccuWeather reported Tuesday morning that “the combination of the weakening trend and Guillermo’s center passing about 150 miles north of the islands will allow Hawaii to escape the worst of Guillermo’s damaging winds and flooding rain.”

The National Weather Service warned of the “potential for heavy rainfall and flash flooding on Wednesday and Thursday,” but added the details of the “timing, location and amount of rainfall remain uncertain and are highly dependent on the eventual track of Guillermo.”

In a press release issued Monday afternoon, Doug Mayne of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said that despite the storm’s weakening, “we strongly encourage residents and visitors to prepare themselves and their families for potential severe weather.”

Mayne said the current forecast called for tropical storm-force winds passing north of Hawaii Island as early as 8 a.m., Wednesday, and impacting Maui at 3 p.m.

“All islands should be prepared for heavy rainfall from Wednesday through Thursday,” Mayne said.

The agency released the following suggestions:

· Do not use candles during a blackout or power outage due to risk of fire.

· Call 911 only to report life-threatening emergencies.

· Make sure to monitor local broadcasters and/or sign up for local notification systems if you live in a flood-prone area.

· Do not attempt to cross fastmoving water, especially if you are unsure of the depth.

· Follow the Department of Education online at http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org for the latest information on possible school closures. Make sure you know the closure notification procedure if your children attend a private or charter school.

· Check with local officials and the Department of Land and Natural Resources if you plan to hike or camp next week. Parks and other trails may be closed depending on the weather forecast. Visit the DLNR website at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/category/news/ for the latest closure information.

· Visitors should download and read the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Travel Safety Brochure at http://www.travelsmarthawaii.com.

The NWS has issued a high surf advisory for the east-facing beaches of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Oahu and Kauai for a swell from the storm. On Oahu, the surf along east-facing shores will  be 6 to 10 feet through Tuesday, the NWS predicted.

Tropical storm Guillermo as of Tuesday morning.

NOAA/NASA