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Hurricane Hector: 'Prepare your hurricane kit' - Hawaiian Mayor in WARNING ahead of impact
HURRICANE Hector is rapidly approaching Hawaii’s “Big Island” as it hurtles across the Pacific Ocean, prompting officials to urge residents to batten down the hatches in preparation for its arrival.
Hawaiian residents of the Big Island settlement of Hilo are being warned to prepare for Hurricane Hector as it carves its way through the Pacific.
According to recent reports, the storm is approximately 1,490 miles east of Hilo.
Honolulu mayor Kirk Caldwell said: “Now is the time to make sure your 14-day hurricane kit is fully stocked, and to check your home for any loose items or debris that could become projectiles during windy conditions.”
Governor Ige also urged the state to prepare for the storm via Twitter.
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He said: “Hurricane Hector is expected to move into the Central Pacific late Sunday.
“Public urge to take the weekend to prepare their homes and families for impacts that could be felt statewide.”
Measures to prepare for the storm include checking streams and channels for potential blockages, as they help catch debris and sediment during heavy rain events.
Pet-friendly shelter locations will be announced as storm conditions worsen.
City buses will be set up to transport individuals to and from shelters, including for the homeless.
Mayor Caldwell will hold another briefing on Monday when the National Weather Service will know more about Hurricane Hector’s potential impact on the islands.
The swirling storm, which was upgraded to a category three hurricane last night, is whipping up near 120mph winds as it carves up the Pacific.
Hector is predicted to develop into a “major hurricane” and is heading on a trajectory towards Hilo that would see the storm brush against the southern coast of Big Island late on Wednesday morning.
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The storm will have passed through Big Island by 11pm on Wednesday night (local time), but the affects of the storm will likely still be felt in the region - and Hawaii’s other smaller islands.
The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) warned there was the potential for Hector to affect portions of the Hawaiian Islands by the middle of next week.
However, experts added it is too soon to specify the magnitude of any impacts, where they could occur or at what time the islands will be hit.
The NHC said: “This is a good time for everyone in the Hawaiian Islands to ensure they have their hurricane plan in place.”
Hurricane Hector: 120mph winds move towards Hawaii
It added: “Hector has continued to move steadily westward, and the initial motion estimate is 270/10 kt.
“A large subtropical ridge to the north should steer the hurricane generally westward through the entire forecast period.
“The official track forecast has been nudged very slightly northward, in line with the latest consensus guidance.”
Central Pacific Hurricane Center's John Bravender said: "All options are on the table.
“It could move northwards to our latitude and have direct and significant impacts.
"Hector is a small hurricane and the smaller hurricanes tend vary their strength quite rapidly more than a larger hurricane.
"And as it comes near us, it's certainly not out of the possibility of it being stronger than anticipated."
The largest community in Hawaii County, with a population of 43,263, Hilo overlooks Hilo Bay and is a hotspot for tourists and locals alike.
A large proportion, 17.1 percent, of the Hilo settlement lives below the poverty line, meaning the destruction from the storm could be devastating.
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