Hawaii County and state officials are warning the public to prepare for the arrival of strong winds and high surf as Hurricane Hector passes just south of the Big Island. According to the National Weather Service, Hector will pass about 150 miles south of Hawaii island Wednesday and its “northern fringe” will bring tropical storm-force winds to the island.
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency advises the public to monitor storm reports and heed local officials’ recommendations, including possible evacuation. They also recommend that visitors read the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Travel Safety Brochure at https://www.gohawaii.com/trip-planning/travel-smart/safety-tips.
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is asking the public to remain vigilant as the storm passes south of the islands. “Although Hurricane Hector is expected to pass south of our state, Oahu residents and visitors need to know that even a slight deviation to a more northerly course could cause major impacts,” Caldwell said. “As Hurricane Hector passes the Hawaiian islands later tonight, we stand ready to respond should the situation change and ask everyone to remain vigilant.”
Hector was a Category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds at 130 mph and higher gusts, and was moving west at 16 mph. Forecasters expect it to continue in this direction for the next couple of days. It was centered about 370 miles east-southeast of South Point and 570 miles east-southeast of Honolulu.
