Officials are once again reminding residents to remain vigilant this hurricane season as forecasters keep an eye on one heading this way from the Eastern Pacific.
As of late Thursday morning, Hurricane Felicia had strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
The center of Hurricane Felicia at 5 p.m. Thursday was about 2,000 miles east- southeast of Hilo, still too far to make any impact on the Hawaiian Islands or even the local weather forecast. Felicia at the time had maximum sustained winds of 110 mph and was heading west at 9 mph.
A gradual turn to the west-southwest is expected by today with westward motion expected this weekend, NHC officials said. At the end of the current five-day forecast period, Felicia is expected to slow down to 70 mph as it approaches the Central Pacific, where Hawaii is located.
FELICIA UPDATE: Now a major hurricane, Felicia strengthens further overnight
While the storm is still too far away to determine any impact to Hawaii’s weather or surf, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Gavin Shigesato, it’s the first with potential activation in the Central Pacific. It’s also a reminder of how important it is to always be prepared.
NWS is monitoring Hurricane Felicia’s development closely, and is ready to take over forecast duties when it crosses the 140-west longitude.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted two to five tropical cyclones in its outlook for the Central Pacific hurricane season, which started in June and continues through Nov. 30.
At the start of hurricane season, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency reminded residents of six preparation actions to take.
First, one should know where potential hazards are in places that one lives, works or plays, including where there are trees or large, loose objects that can blow over and injure a person.
Second, one should sign up for county alerts, and third, have an emergency family plan in place that includes a safe meeting place in case members get separated, as well as the location of the nearest shelter or hurricane refuge area if evacuation is required.
There should also be a communications plan for how to let other family members know you are safe.
Residents should also prepare a two-week emergency supply kit including water, nonperishable food, a manual can opener, first-aid kit, battery-operated or crank radio, flashlight, and important documents sealed in a waterproof bag, among other items.
It is also a good idea, if one has not already done so, to consider flood or hurricane insurance, and to protect one’s property with a hurricane retrofit or hurricane clips.
Last summer Hurricane Douglas passed dangerously close to Oahu, within just about 30 miles north of Kahuku. Douglas remained a Category 1 hurricane as it passed north of the main Hawaiian Islands in late July, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to some areas.
The Department of Emergency Management issued a release last month advising residents to review Honolulu’s newly revised hurricane refuge area shelter list as an important step in hurricane preparedness.
It is important to determine ahead of time whether one might need to evacuate in advance of a storm, and where to go, officials said.
The city’s recently revised hurricane refuge area list includes 38 sites, down from 122, that could potentially open as public shelters in advance of a tropical cyclone.
Last year the city used federal funding to evaluate more than 200 existing buildings and to determine which would be best suited as hurricane shelters. The number of shelters declined after a detailed evaluation by structural engineers.
Still, city officials said, these shelters are intended as “a last resort for those without safer options.”
While they may offer a safer option than remaining in areas prone to flooding, storm surge, or in older homes with wood frames or single-wall construction, in almost all cases, they do not meet state guidelines for hurricane evacuation shelters.
More hurricane preparation tips are available at ready.hawaii.gov.
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Prepare a 14-day disaster supply kit
>> Water: One gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation (don’t forget pets)
>> Food: Nonperishable food that does not require cooking, such as peanut butter, dried fruits and nuts (don’t forget pets)
>> Utensils: Plates, utensils and a manual can opener
>> Radio: Battery-powered or hand-crank radio with NOAA Weather alert
>> Flashlight: With extra batteries, a whistle for signaling help, and dust mask
>> Sanitation supplies: Such as hand sanitizer, toilet paper, gloves
>> Tools: Such as a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, and duct tape
>> Local area maps and photos of you, family and friends to locate each other if separated
>> Important documents and cash in a waterproof container
>> Prescription medications, glasses, contact lenses, medical devices and a first-aid kit
>> Personal hygiene items
Source: Honolulu Department of Emergency Management Now a major hurricane, Felicia strengthens further overnight
