Hurricane Hector likely to weaken as it nears Big Isle

Hector, which remained a Category 4 hurricane Tuesday evening, likely will weaken over the next day or so, bringing tropical storm-force winds to the southern coast of Hawaii island.

The storm, the largest thus far this season in the Central Pacific Basin, is also expected to bring high surf to the eastern coasts of the Big Island and Maui today.

The eye of the hurricane likely will pass within 100 to 150 miles south of South Point on the Big Island, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecast Tuesday. A tropical storm warning was in place Tuesday for southeast and leeward waters and the southern coast of Hawaii island.

Tropical storm-force winds could range from 39 mph to 73 mph. An easterly swell could bring 12- to 15-foot waves today.

Hurricane-force winds extend out up to 40 miles from the storm’s center.

Two other hurricanes in the western Pacific “won’t impact Hawaii at all,” said Central Pacific Hurricane Center meteorologist Chevy Chevalier. Hurricane John remains south of Baja, Calif., and will continue to weaken over the next couple of days, while Kristy is expected to weaken and not forecast to cross into the Central Pacific.

He noted Tuesday that Hector moved “just a little nudge,” or less than 50 miles to the north, since Monday.

Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno said Tuesday evening that about 135 individuals living in tents outside lava evacuee shelters in Pahoa and Keaau were being moved inside buildings.

“They’ve been told, the folks who are out there in the fields, to move inside,” he said.

“We’re now expecting the whole island to experience high winds, particularly in downslope areas,” he added.

Civil Defense designated additional shelters around the island, but it had not made them public as of 6 p.m. Tuesday, and would do so only if needed. The alerts will be made through its blackboard messaging systems and emergency alert system through radio and TV.

“It’s a double-edge sword,” Magno explained. “People start showing up there, knowing it’s going to be a shelter, and they’re not staffed.”

As of 8 p.m. Tuesday, Hector was about 315 miles east-southeast of South Point, traveling west at 16 mph, with 130 mph maximum sustained winds and higher gusts.

Hawaii County shut down camping sites at Punaluu, Whittington and Milolii beach parks. The state Division of Forestry and Wildlife closed Waimanu Valley campground and Ainapo cabin through today. It warned hikers of a flood risk at Waimanu due to a king tide, storm surges, heavy rainfall and strong winds at Ainapo.

South Point Road from Kamaoa Road junction to South Point was closed due to high winds, except to local traffic, Hawaii County police said.

Early-voting sites at Pahoa and Pahala community centers are also closed today.

Magno said Tuesday evening, “We’re making sure our operations are ready,” and monitoring conditions with spotters in the field, expecting the wind to begin ramping up as early as Tuesday night, but the main onset between 4 and 10 a.m. today.

Hawaii County Acting Mayor Will Okabe declared a state of emergency Tuesday. This would provide for the establishment of emergency management and disaster relief with the mayor directly responsible over emergency management.

The county issued public safety measures and recommendations at 7 p.m. Tuesday, warning of high winds that could cause flying debris, downed power lines and blocked roads.

Civil Defense warned residents to prepare for possible power outages.

Boats and small aircraft owners were urged to secure their craft.

Emergency Proclamation by Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Scribd