UPDATE 2:55 p.m.: Gov. David Ige signed an emergency proclamation that will provide relief for disaster damages, losses and suffering caused by Hurricane Olivia. Even if Olivia arrives as a tropical storm, as predicted, Hawaii is in danger of experiencing high winds, heavy rains, high surf, storm surges and flooding that threaten to harm communities and cause extensive damage to public and private property across the state.
The proclamation, which expires on Sept. 17, declares the counties of Hawaii, Maui, Kalawao, Kauai and the City and County of Honolulu disaster areas for the purpose of implementing emergency management functions. The proclamation also authorizes the expenditure of state monies as appropriated for the speedy and efficient relief of damages, losses, and suffering resulting from Hurricane Olivia.
“We’re monitoring this storm closely and taking steps now to ensure that we’re prepared for its impacts to the state. A tropical storm could bring heavy rain and flooding, especially in places that are saturated from previous storms. Now is the time to prepare,” Ige said in a statement.
UPDATE 11:05 a.m.: As of 11 a.m. today, Hurricane Olivia was about 660 miles east-northeast of Hilo. The storm is packing maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and its forward speed has slowed slightly to 14 mph.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the storm’s center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles.
Large swells generated by Olivia are expected to reach the main Hawaiian Islands starting Monday. Surf will continue to build as Olivia approaches, and may become damaging on some exposed east facing shores Tuesday or Wednesday.
ORIGINAL:
Hurricane Olivia continues to weaken as it moves rapidly west toward Hawaii.
As of 5 a.m. today, the center of Olivia was about 735 miles east-northeast of Hilo with maximum sustained winds of 75 miles an hour, moving to the west at 16 mph.
Olivia is expected to continue moving westward, but at a slightly slower forward speed through early Monday. A gradual turn toward the west-southwest is
expected starting late Monday. This track could bring the outer circulation of Olivia close to the Hawaiian Islands starting Tuesday night.
Forecasters advise residents and visitors to closely monitor the progress of Olivia, and use this time to enact your hurricane action plan.
A tropical storm or hurricane watches may be posted for the Big Island later today or tonight.
Although Olivia is barely a hurricane, little change in strength is forecast during the next couple of days, and Olivia is expected to remain a hurricane through
Monday night. Some gradual weakening is possible on Tuesday, but Olivia will likely remain a threat to the Hawaiian Islands early this week.
Recommended items for a survival kit can be found on the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.