The following is the latest update from Hawaii News Now:
Tropical Storm Lowell is continuing westward in the central North Pacific as it continues westward, while major Hurricane Karina churns in open waters in the east Pacific. The official forecast tracks keep both systems away from the main Hawaiian islands, but there’s a high degree of uncertainty in the forecast models because of possible interaction between the two.
The National Hurricane Center said at 5 p.m. Sunday, Lowell was centered about 900 miles east-southeast of Hilo and was moving westward at 12 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds holding steady at 50 miles per hour.
Meanwhile, Karina was 985 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California and was moving to the west at 9 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 125 miles per hour, making it a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Winds could increase to 145 miles per hour Monday.
Lowell is currently forecast to continue in a generally westward motion with little to no interaction with Karina, which is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane in the next few days. However, some forecast models still suggest a developing trough to the northwest that could weaken a ridge that would keep Lowell to the south of Hawaii, allowing it to track closer to the islands.
For now, the official track keeps Lowell to the south of Hawaii as a hurricane. However, there’s the potential that both systems could come close to the islands during the time frame from Friday through next Wednesday (Sept. 4 through Sept. 9).
>> Review and update family emergency plans, including where to go if evacuation is necessary.
>> Assemble or replenish emergency supplies, including enough food, water, medications and essential items to last at least 14 days.
>> Have flashlights, batteries, portable chargers and other supplies ready in the event of a power outage.
>> Secure outdoor furniture, equipment and other loose objects that could become hazardous in strong winds.
>> Clear gutters, drains and areas that could contribute to flooding.
>> Keep vehicles fueled and avoid waiting until the last minute to purchase essential supplies.
>> Know whether homes are in a flood, coastal or other hazard area and be prepared to relocate if necessary.
>> Sign up for HNL Alert emergency notifications by visiting hnlalert.gov or texting HNLALERT to 888777.
Post Hurricane Lala
If you were impacted by the storm, the City is asking all affected residents to fill out the online damage assessment form. The purpose of this form is only to collect information that will help local officials understand the damage that occurred and impacts on the community. The City will also use this information to determine whether the City can request federal assistance programs.
Tropical Storm Lala was a reminder that everyone should prepare since August and September have historically been the most active months in which tropical cyclones form:
- Create a plan and know what to pack and/or ensure is safe in the event of a major disaster. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has published a list of resources that can help you plan according to your personal situation.
- The Department of Emergency Management recommends having a two-week emergency supply kit as well as a ‘Go-Bag’ in the event you have to evacuate. If you know of any vulnerable family, friends, or neighbors – consider helping them to prepare as they will have additional, specific, needs that need to be considered prior to, during, and after a major disaster.
- Determine how you can harden your home and if you should shelter in place. This is a link to the Homeowner’s Handbook that is published by the University of Hawaii Sea Grant program. Page 59 is a chart that summarizes whether or not – based on the date of and type of construction – you should shelter in place. The book can be downloaded and is a very good reference for disaster preparedness planning. If you do need to evacuate, determine if you have a friend or family member whose home can be a shelter. If there is no safe option, please watch the news and/or check the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) website to find out which evacuation shelters will be open in your area and if its pet friendly.
- Understand what to do in the event you hear the emergency siren. Here is a link to the Emergency Siren reference page – which contains the locations of all sirens. When you hear the siren, turn on the radio or local television and listen for more instructions should it sound due to an emergency. Sign up for HNL Alert to receive custom notifications.
- Get trained to help the community post disaster. The Community Emergency Response Team (aka CERT) is a program that encourages ‘neighbors helping neighbors’. Should there be a statewide disaster, first responders and the government’s ability to respond to all areas affected will be limited. Communities will have to rely on its own residents to work together to address the immediate needs. Upcoming classes are available on the City and County of Honolulu website.
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