Weather Service
says ‘Be prepared’ for
hurricane season
It only takes one storm
By Helen Altonn
to cause devastation, says
meteorology official
Star-BulletinEL Nino is dying, and a "near normal" hurricane season is predicted for this region from June through November.
But don't let this fool you into thinking there's no danger, weather and civil defense agencies warn.
Four or five tropical depressions, storms or hurricanes could hit Hawaii, says Jim Weyman, Central Pacific Hurricane Center director.
Driven by a powerful El Nino, nine tropical storm systems occurred in the Central Pacific during last year's hurricane season, according to the National Weather Service.
That is twice the 36-year average of 4.5 and the fourth highest total in that period.
But whether it's an active, inactive or average storm season, "it only takes one storm to cause devastation," emphasizes Weyman, meteorologist-in-charge of the Weather Service's Honolulu Forecast Office.
El Nino, involving warming of ocean waters across the eastern Pacific, caused havoc with weather changes around the world. The Climate Prediction Center expects above-normal water temperatures through mid-summer, returning to normal in early fall, Weyman said.
As a result, tropical storms may increase during the early part of the hurricane season, he said. "But there are a lot of uncertainties in this."
JUST in case, weather and civil defense officials are urging residents to plan for a tropical storm or hurricane -- before one arrives.
"Get it done now rather than go through the trauma later," advises Joe Reed, Oahu Civil Defense Agency administrator.
At best, he said, people who delay preparations will end up standing in line waiting to buy batteries, water and other survival supplies that most likely will be gone.
He said families should determine if they're in risky areas at home, work or schools and, if they have to evacuate, where they would go or meet. They should prepare survival kits.
Unlike Kauai, hit by Hurricanes Iwa in 1982 and Iniki in 1992, Oahu's people haven't experienced hurricane conditions, Reed pointed out. Although Waianae had strong storms and gusts during those events, it wasn't the full force of a hurricane, he said.
If a hurricane merely brushes Oahu, it will have enough shelters to accommodate potential evacuees, Reed said. But with a direct hit, there may not be enough, he said.
EVERY family needn't and shouldn't go to a shelter, he said. If possible, they should go to friends or relatives on high ground where they will be safe and more comfortable, he said.
Tom Heffner, warning coordination meteorologist at the Weather Service, said storm surge and high surf, high winds and heavy rains with flash flooding make up a "triple threat."
A unique combination of high surf and surge because of Hawaii's bathymetry "can be devastating," he said, noting nine out of 10 deaths occur from flooding in storm surge. "It is a very deadly phenomenon."
Four Doppler radars, five high resolution satellites and four ocean buoys provide voluminous information on weather conditions and incoming storms, Weyman said. The office also has access to flying "hurricane hunters" for support and reconnaissance.
He said Hawaii's state, federal and county agencies have one of the most effective alliances in the nation to deal with hurricanes and other disasters.
Heffner described improvements to zone forecasts, with information for two days now including temperatures and winds for certain locations.
Weather radios, available at radio and electronics stores, provide the fastest way to get forecasts and warnings, Heffner said.
He stressed that individual preparedness "will make the greatest positive difference" in protecting lives and property.
Get ready for hurricane season: Do these things to
ride out a storm
Learn the storm surge history and elevation of your area.
