The Civil Defense in Hawai’ihas issued a tropical storm watch for the Big Island as Hurricane Felicia approaches. Flash flood warnings have been issued for Monday and Tuesday. The force of Hurricane Felicia is expected to bring heavy rains, high surfs, and strong winds.
Hawaii247.org reports that it looks like Felicia could be downgraded to a tropical storm later on today, but the storm should still be monitored. The online periodical offers these tips:
“When a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch is issued:
Fuel and service family vehicles.
Prepare to cover all windows and door openings with boards, shutters or other shielding materials.
Check food and water supplies. Have clean, air-tight containers on hand to store at least two weeks of drinking water (14 gallons per person), and stock up on canned provisions. Keep a small cooler with frozen gel packs handy for packing refrigerated items.
Check prescription medicines – obtain at least 10 days to 2 weeks supply.
Stock up on extra batteries for radios, flashlights, and lanterns.
Store and secure outdoor lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans and garden tools.
Check and replenish first-aid supplies.
Have on hand an extra supply of cash.
For the Central Pacific Ocean starting with the 2009 hurricane season, a Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning means hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified area of the Warning, usually within 36 hours.
When a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning is issued:
Follow instructions issued by civil defense. Leave immediately if ordered to do so.
Complete preparation activities, such as boarding up windows and storing loose objects.
Evacuate areas that might be affected by storm surge flooding. If evacuating, leave early.
Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.”
The term, “El Niño”, refers to the unpredictable phenomenon that occurs over the Pacific Ocean that causes a warming trend. This trend makes thunderstorms stronger and increases rainfall over Asia, Australia, and North and South America. When it is an El Niño year, the US typically sees fewer hurricanes make landfall.
Scientists are now seeing new trends in El Niño that could now not only cause more hurricanes to form more often, but also cause more hurricanes to touch land. This weather pattern is now being called El Niño Modoki. Modoki is a Japanese word that means, “similar, but different”.
Science Daily reports that Modoki is more predict able. The advantage of this is that forecasters at the National Hurricane Center will be able to tell what the hurricane season will bring with more than one month of anticipation.
The President is confident that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is ready for action under the leadership of its new director, Craig Fugate.
Fewer hurricanes are predicted to affect the United States this year, but residents that could be affected are warned to still be prepared just in case. After all, it does take just one hurricane to cause enough devastation to last for years. It is estimated that 35 million people in the country live in hurricane-prone areas.
Experts advise that not only residents should be prepared for hurricanes, but tourists should prepared be as well. It would be wise for travelers to pack an emergency disaster kit should the weather expected change with little notice.
When one imagines Hawaii, one thinks of sun, perfect beaches, drinks in a pineapple, volcanoes, and lots of green plants every where. However, if one were to visit the state today, they would really see rain, rain, and more rain.
Central Oahu received about a foot of rain yesterday, according to the Honolulu Advertiser. However, parts of Hawaii that were suffering from a drought received up to three inches: an answer to many prayers.
Flash flood watches will remain in effect through the weekend.
