As was the case yesterday, Hurricane Hector is maintaining its current course. However, today we’ll begin to see the storm’s effects on the islands. As a result, as of the writing of this Hurricane Hector update 2, parts of the state are now under a Tropical Storm Warning.
Last night Hurricane Hector was downgraded to a Category 3 storm. And as of that time last night, the storm was maintaining maximum sustained winds of 125 miles per hour. Its current track, which it hasn’t deviated from yet, is projected to have Hector pass 100 to 150 miles to the south of the Big Island. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 40 miles from the center of the storm, though tropical-storm-force winds extend out up to 115 miles from the center. Hector is continuing its path westward at 16 mph.
Tropical Storm Warning
Because of Hector’s close pass to the south of the Big Island, the island is now under a tropical storm warning. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are imminent. The primary concerns for the Big Islands are high winds and giant surf.
However, even if Hector doesn’t directly impact the Big Island, the island could still see some nasty conditions. High surf is just one of these conditions. The outer bands of the storm could bring torrential rains and high winds too. Even if the winds aren’t tropical storm force, they’ll still likely do some damage.
Effects from the storm were expected to begin last night and continue on through today.
Hurricane Hector Update 2
My recommendations from my first Hurricane Hector post continue to remain true. Be prepared to adapt to any changes in travel plans the storm causes. And if you’re already on-island, be prepared to spend the day in your hotel room instead of outside. Heed all warnings given my staff, government officials, and first responders. Even if things look fine to you, conditions can change extremely quickly.
Further, though the other islands appear to be in the clear, it isn’t over until the storm is far past the islands or completely deteriorates. Hector is on a similar path to Hurricane Iniki back in the early 90’s. And while it’s unlikely it could impact the other islands, it’s still a possibility. So be prepared.