Storm sending
big waves
toward Hawaii
A tropical storm in the Central Pacific is expected to strengthen into a hurricane later today, but forecasters predict it will pass south of the Hawaiian Islands early next week.
Tropical Storm Jimena, which was 1,500 miles east-southeast of Hawaii yesterday, is on a westerly path and is expected to reach minimal hurricane-force winds of 75 mph with gusts up to 92 mph by this afternoon.
Forecasters said yesterday that they do not expect it to hit the islands. But they and state Civil Defense officials are watching it closely and said it is a good time for residents to go over hurricane preparedness plans. They also said residents should keep abreast of updates on the storm.
The center of the hurricane is forecast to pass between 125 and 150 miles south of the Big Island's South Point late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.
"Once it reaches the minimal hurricane threshold, it's expected to stay at that intensity through Tuesday," said Tim Craig, lead forecaster at the National Weather Service.
"We're expecting Jimena to remain on a westerly course," he said. "By Saturday we'll have a pretty good idea where it's going to go."
Jimena is expected to generate a huge east swell with 15-foot surf on eastern shores Sunday through Tuesday.
Residents are urged to make advance preparations during the hurricane season, which lasts from June through November. Instructions on how to prepare for a hurricane and put together a disaster survival kit are in the white pages of the Verizon phone books.
"We drill this into the public over and over, and something like the bus strike steals the show," said Leighton Ah Cook, state Civil Defense branch chief for training, education and information.
"If people wait till the last minute, it's just too late to go shopping," Ah Cook said. "We don't want people to get their disaster supply kits and it's only three to four hours out with flying debris outside ... and long lines at gas stations."
The last hurricane in the Central Pacific was Hurricane Huko, last November.
Hurricane Iniki, which devastated Kauai on Sept. 11, 1992, was the last hurricane to hit the islands.
"It's been a while since Iniki hit, so people do become complacent," Ah Cook said. "But it's when you least expect it, you'll be hit."
On Labor Day, tradewinds are expected to increase to 15 to 30 mph with higher gusts, and the Big Island is expected to get rain as Jimena passes to the south.
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Be prepared for coming storms
Gather the following supplies for your hurricane survival kit before a storm strikes:>> Nonperishable food (three-day minimum supply)
>> Drinking water (minimum two quarts a person a day)
>> Extra prescription medications
>> Battery-powered radio and/or TV
>> Flashlights or lanterns
>> Extra batteries
>> Manual can opener
>> Disposable plates, cups and utensils
>> Disposable washcloths and towels
>> First-aid kit and water purification kit
>> Ice chest and ice
>> Matches
>> Nonelectric clock
>> Toiletries
>> Plastic drop cloth
>> Fuel can and fuel for stoves, hibachis, lanterns
>> Fire extinguisher
>> Cellular phone with extra batteries
>> Portable generator
>> Extension cords
>> Latex gloves
>> Tool kit
>> Sunscreen
>> Extra clothes, eyeglasses
>> Extra cash
>> Insect repellent
>> Books, magazines, toys, cards and games for entertainment
>> Important papers (insurance policies, bank account numbers, family contacts, medical information)
>> Pet food
>> Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, air mattresses
>> Masking tape for windows and glass doors
