Hurricane season starts June 1; KEMA reminds residents to prepare
LĪHU‘E – The hurricane season in the central Pacific region, which includes Hawai‘i, starts on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.
According to the National Weather Service, this year’s outlook calls for one to four tropical cyclones for a near-to-below-average season. The outlook is a general guide to the overall seasonal hurricane activity in the Central Pacific Basin. It does not predict whether or how many of these systems will affect Hawai‘i. An average season has four or five storms, including tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes.
"During a Tropical Cyclone, being prepared is vital for you and your family. If it’s safe, staying at home is often the best choice," said Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) Administrator Elton Ushio. "Even though this year’s forecast suggests a near-to-below-average season, it remains essential to prepare your emergency kits as soon as possible. On Kaua‘i, we understand that just one storm can have a significant negative impact on our community."
He noted that disaster kits should include at least a 14-day supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of water per person per day, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, an extra supply of prescription medicines, and other items specific to individual and family needs.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) continuously monitors weather conditions, employing a network of satellites, land- and ocean-based sensors, and aircraft reconnaissance missions operated by NOAA and its partners. Complex computer modeling and human expertise are the basis for the hurricane center’s track and intensity forecasts that extend out five days.
The CPHC issues a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch when hurricane or tropical storm-force winds are possible within 48 hours.
A Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning is issued when hurricane or tropical storm-force winds are expected within 36 hours.
When either a Watch or a Warning is issued, residents and visitors should listen to their local radio or TV stations and monitor local web/internet media and websites for official weather information and instructions from emergency management entities.
Information on planning and preparation regarding hurricane season is available on www.kauai.gov/kema, www.dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/the Central Pacific, or the National Hurricane Center website, http://www.hurricanes.gov/cphc.
To sign up for the county’s free emergency notification service, Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), please go to the county website, www.kauai.gov/kema, and click “WENS.”
Those without Internet access can have their phone number and other pertinent information added to the county database by calling the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
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