Well, this hurricane season was predicted to be an above-average one. And two weeks into the season, the first cyclone to threaten Hawaii in 2023 is here. As you read this, Calvin is barrelling toward Hawaii Island, threatening it – especially the Hilo side – with torrential rains and strong winds.
In 2022, just one tropical cyclone reached the islands – Darby. Entering the Central Pacific as a category two hurricane, Darby weakened to a tropical storm before slamming into Hawaii Island. Luckily, it and tropical cyclone Bonnie didn’t cause any wind damage or flood on any of the islands – just some rain and high surf. But last year was a below-average year. With El Nino warming things up, this season is predicted to be an above-average one.
The First Cyclone to Threaten Hawaii in 2023
Calvin is the first cyclone to threaten Hawaii in 2023. Forming in the Eastern Pacific near Mexico, it trekked its way to the islands, strengthening to a major category three hurricane before slowly weakening to a tropical storm. Initially, it had a much more concerning forecast, with the storm tracking directly toward Hawaii Island under NOAA’s model and directly to Oahu under the EU model. But as it approaches, the models are all showing that it should pass over the southern tip of the Big Island.
What this means is that portions of Hawaii Island will see significant amounts of rain and wind. Naturally, this could cause flooding and damage in the area, which is never good. That said, for visitors, Calvin could impact some popular sites, such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, among others.
Speaking of impacts, Calvin is expected to begin impacting the state on Tuesday. If it does pass over the Big Island, Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa will likely shred what’s left of the storm to pieces, which should shield all of the other islands. If anything, the other islands may see higher-than-average rain between Tuesday and Thursday.
What Visitors Need to Know
With the first cyclone to threaten Hawaii in 2023 having the potential to cause damage, it’s that visitors stay informed. For example, if you plan on visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you should visit the park’s website before heading out to see if any portions of the park were damaged and remain closed.
Of course, if you plan on flying to or from Hawaii on Tuesday or Wednesday, you’ll want to check your flight statuses with your airline. You may even be able to proactively change your flight ahead of the storm if your airline deems it could cause disruptions. Of course, this isn’t a guarantee. So be sure to keep tabs on what’s going on.
Final Thoughts
Though Calvin, the first cyclone to threaten Hawaii in 2023, looks like it’ll be a relatively mild one, this is just the beginning. To all my fellow Hawaii residents, if you’re not already prepped, this is a great time to do so. And to those of you visiting this week, please keep yourself informed and remember to be patient if you are in an area that got impacted.