A weather system moving westward in the Central Pacific Ocean is now heading for Hawaii, according to the National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
Two days ago, the AccuWeather Global Weather Center said it was likely to pick up speed and become a hurricane as it tracked westward, before moving to the northwest, which has done. This morning, it was recategorized as a category 1 hurricane, but forecasters suggested it may track slightly south of the main island.
AccuWeather said although there may not be a direct hit on Hawaii, the Islands would feel the effects of it passing through.
On Wednesday, in anticipation of Ana’s arrival, Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie issued an emergency proclamation, for all of the main Hawaiian Islands. The issuance of that proclamation allows the state to draw on funds for protective measures and gives the state easier access to state and federal emergency resources and the suspension of some laws as needed for emergency purposes.
AccuWeather.com said an area of high pressure would likely prevent the hurricane from curving directly through the islands, keeping it to the south.
Although this would mean the islands would not be subjected to the strongest and most destructive winds, other impacts would be noticeable, as the system moves from east to west late on Friday and through to through Sunday.
Flooding rainfall and tropical storm-force winds are expected to cause tree damage, power outages, and isolated mudslides, in southern parts of The Big Island, and Kauai.
AccuWeather.com resported that Hawaii Island public schools will be closed on Friday.
Based on Ana’s current forecast path, downpours and winds of 40 mph could graze the other islands. Localized flash flooding and power outages would result, including in Honolulu and Hilo.
Rough and dangerous surf will develop throughout the island chain.
All residents and visitors to Hawaii should continue to check back with AccuWeather.com for the latest updates on Ana.
If Ana takes a sharper turn to the northeast, more of the Hawaiian Islands will face a greater danger of flooding rain and damaging winds.
– AccuWeather.com
Ana is the third tropical system to threaten Hawaii in 2014. Ana was preceded by Tropical Storm Iselle, on August 8th, taking out power and dropping 14 inches of rain. Iselle was followed by hurricane Julio, but it tracked north of the islands.
