TROPICAL STORM WATCH
BIG EYE – Hurricane Ignacio’s central eye…and classic symmetrical shape
of the hurricane’s cloud signature – this dangerous hurricane
will encounter stronger wind shear as it approaches our islands…
thus a rather pronounced weakening may occur. Click to enlarge. (NOAA Satellite Image)
EVENT: The National Weather Service has ISSUED a TROPICAL STORM WATCH for MAUI COUNTY.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area within 48 hours.
EFFECTS: Hawaiian Islands remain vulnerable as major Hurricane Ignacio continues moving steadily northwest.
At 5 p.m., the center of Hurricane Ignacio was located about 735 miles east-southeast of Honolulu. Hurricane Ignacio is moving northwest at 9 mph. with maximum sustained winds near 140 mph.
SITUATION OVERVIEW: Hurricane Ignacio is expected to approach the area from the southeast bringing an increased potential for tropical storm conditions to the Big Island and Maui County.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: IT IS VITAL THAT YOU DO NOT FOCUS ON THE EXACT FORECAST TRACK. FORECAST MOVEMENT, DIRECTION AND SPEED ARE ONLY ESTIMATES. EVEN SMALL ERRORS IN THE FORECAST TRACK CAN MEAN MAJOR DIFFERENCES IN WHERE THE WORST CONDITIONS WILL OCCUR. DAMAGING EFFECTS CAN EXTEND FAR FROM THE CENTER.
FOR THOSE UNDER A WATCH, NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE. SECURE OR BRING INDOORS ANY LOOSE OUTDOOR OBJECTS LIKE LAWN FURNITURE, CHILDREN’S TOYS, HANGING PLANTS, BARBECUE GRILLS, OR ANY ITEM THAT COULD BECOME A DESTRUCTIVE PROJECTILE IN STRONG WINDS. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE.
STAY CALM AND KEEP INFORMED. CLOSELY MONITOR NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR OTHER LOCAL NEWS OUTLETS FOR OFFICIAL STORM INFORMATION. LISTEN FOR WARNINGS OR CHANGES TO THE FORECAST.
BE READY TO EVACUATE IF NECESSARY. HEED THE ADVICE OF LOCAL OFFICIALS AND COMPLY WITH ANY ORDERS THAT ARE ISSUED. PERSONS LIVING NEAR THE SHORE SHOULD BE PREPARED TO EVACUATE QUICKLY SHOULD BUILDING SURF THREATEN.
INFORMATION: Maui Civil Defense Agency will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio for any updates. NOAA Weather broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather internet services can be found at weather.gov/hawaii.
Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. This same notification can be found on the Maui County website at mauicounty.gov.
