Hurricane Hector: Storm With 140 MPH Winds Barrels Toward Hawaii

HONOLULU, HI — Hurricane Hector, the dangerous Category 4 storm spinning furiously over the Pacific Ocean, is hurtling perilously close to Hawaii, which is already reeling from a months-long Kilauea volcano eruption. The storm, with its 140 mph winds, is heading west at about 15 mph and will likely pass by or scrape the state on Wednesday or Thursday, according to the latest forecast from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

The agency said maximum sustained winds were near 145 mph with even higher gusts. The storm is expected to gradually weaken over the next few days.

"Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 100 miles," the agency wrote in a public advisory Monday morning.

The National Weather Service warned the region to expect wind gusts, rough surf, coastal flooding and rip currents. No coastal watches or warnings are in effect but the National Hurricane Center warned Sunday that Hawaii is not out of the woods yet.

"While the official forecast track continues to lie to the south of the Hawaiian islands, only a slight deviation to the north of the forecast track would significantly increase potential impacts to the state of Hawaii. Now is a good time for everyone in the Hawaiian Islands to ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place," the agency wrote in an advisory Monday morning.

The County of Hawai’i said in a statement it is already preparing for the storm. County, federal and state agencies, along with private entities, met on Sunday for an orientation briefing. Mayor Harry Kim said the session was aimed at familiarizing staff with the storm.

Tom Travis, administrator of emergency management, urged residents in a statement Friday to prepare now.

“Hector is our first hurricane this year. We want to remind the public we are in the middle of the hurricane season and we urge people to take the weekend to prepare their homes and families for impacts that could be felt statewide,” said Travis.

HI-EMA recommendations:

• Prepare an “emergency kit” of a minimum of 14 days of food, water and other supplies.
• Talk with family members and develop a clear understanding what you will do if a hurricane or tropical storm threatens. Prepare an action plan that includes details such as whether your family plans to shelter in place or evacuate.
• Know if your home is in an inundation zone, flood zone, or susceptible to high winds and other hazards. Know if your home is retrofitted with hurricane resistant clips or straps.
• Stay tuned to local media and their websites/applications regarding weather updates.
• Sign up for local notification systems (i.e., HNL.Info).
• Get to know your neighbors and community so you can help each other.
• Walk your property and check for potential flood threats. Clear your gutters and other drainage systems. Remove and secure loose items. Keep your car gas tanks filled.
• Prepare your pets by checking or purchasing a carrier and other preparedness items. A pet carrier is necessary for your pet’s safety if you plan to evacuate to a pet-friendly shelter. Don’t forget 14 days of food and water for your furry family members.
• Set aside an emergency supply of any needed medication and keep a copy of your prescriptions in case you run out of medication after a disaster.
• Secure your important documents in protective containers.
• Visitors should download GoHawaii App and read the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Travel Safety Brochure at http://www.travelsmarthawaii.com.
• Build an emergency kit – now.

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