Forecasters: Kilo may become tropical storm again Sunday

Tropical depression Kilo might once again become a tropical storm, as early as Sunday, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu. 

At 5 a.m. Sunday, Kilo was about 570 miles southwest of Honolulu and moving west at about 15 mph. Maximum sustained winds were 35 mph with higher gusts.

Forecasters say its motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours with some decrease in forward speed.

A turn to the northwest is expected with a more significant decrease in forward speed through Monday.

Kilo is expected to gradually strengthen over the next couple of days, forecasters said.

Gov. David Ige signed an emergency proclamation on Friday making the state’s Major Disaster Fund available for disaster relief should Kilo make landfall in Hawaii.

To prepare for a hurricane, emergency officials recommend:

» Talking with family members and coming up with an action plan that includes details like whether or not your family plans to evacuate.

» Download the Ready Hawaii app from the iTunes or Google Play! store, with aids for emergency planning and a list of shelters. Or download a preparedness brochure.

» Identify any small outdoor items that could be picked up by high winds and make plans to bring them indoors if a hurricane/tropical storm watch is issued.

» Keep seven days of food and water for your family and for pets.

» Set aside an emergency supply of needed medication and keep a copy of your prescriptions in case you run out of medication after a disaster.

» Follow the Department of Education online at hawaiipublicschools.org for information on public school closures. Make sure you know the closure notification procedure if your child attends private or charter schools.

» Prepare your pets by checking or purchasing a carrier and other preparedness items. A pet carrier is necessary if you plan to evacuate to a pet-friendly shelter.

» Check with airlines prior to any planned flights next week.

» Visitors should read the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Travel Safety Brochure at travelsmarthawaii.com.

» Read the Hawaii Boater’s Hurricane and Tsunami Safety Manual for recommended precautions to protect your boat prior to a storm.