Hector now Category 3 major hurricane

Hector strengthened into a Category 3 major hurricane Friday as it continued its slow westward approach to the state.

The first major storm of the 2018 hurricane season in the Pacific, Hector weakened temporarily Thursday evening with maximum sustained winds dropping from 110 miles per hour to just 90 mph.

However, the storm regained vitality Friday with maximum sustained winds increasing to 120 mph, making it a Category 3 major hurricane on the Saffir-­Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

As of 5 p.m. Friday the center of the storm was 1,421 miles east of Hilo, moving west at 12 mph. Hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 15 miles; tropical- storm-force winds extended up to 70 miles.

The National Weather Service emphasized that the storm is still too far away to forecast any potential impact to Hawaii.

“There is the potential for Hector to bring some impacts to portions of the Hawaiian Islands by the middle of next week, but it is too soon to specify the magnitude of the impacts or where they could occur,” the weather service said in an update Friday.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell huddled with city department heads at the Emergency Operations Center on Friday to discuss Hector’s progress. Another briefing is scheduled for Monday, when forecasters might have a better idea of what to expect from the approaching storm.

“Just as the city is going through its checklist ahead of any possible impact from Hurricane Hector, I’m asking Oahu residents and visitors do the same,” Caldwell said in a release issued Friday.

The mayor reminded residents to make sure their 14-day hurricane kits are fully stocked, check outside their residence for loose items or debris that could become projectiles in windy conditions, and ensure that they have access to updates about Hector’s approach.

City Department of Facility Maintenance personnel spent the day checking streams and channels for blockages that potentially could lead to flooding.

The mayor’s office said shelter locations will be selected and announced as warranted and that city buses would be used to transport residents to and from shelters.

The Maui Emergency Management Agency also appealed to Maui residents to use the weekend to prepare for Hector’s arrival by developing an evacuation plan and preparing an emergency kit of food, water, medication and other essentials.

In addition, the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is reminding residents to review their motor vehicle, homeowners, hurricane and flood insurance policies.

“As Hurricane Hector approaches the state, we want to encourage everyone to review their policies and clear any confusion about what is covered under a homeowners policy versus a hurricane, flood, or motor vehicle policy,” said Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito. “Know what steps to take pre- and post-event to protect yourself, your family, and minimize any significant financial impacts. If there are any questions or concerns, consumers should call their agent or insurance company.”