Hawaii Hurricane & Storm Alerts
Hurricane Special Alerts & Notices for the Hawaiian Islands
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Published by: John C. Derrick
Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Hawaii Hurricane & Storm Related Updates
Potential Impacts of Tropical Systems in Hawaii
Updated: September 4, 2024, at 8am HST
Currently, no additional tropical storm systems are affecting the Hawaiian Islands. This page will be updated with relevant storm information when storms threaten Hawaii.
What's the current status of Hurricanes impacting the Hawaiian Islands?
There are currently no tropical storm systems impacting Hawaii at this time.
Important Information for Hawaii Visitors
- Flooding, landslides, trees, and debris can block roads. Avoid unnecessary driving during storms.
- Wind and rain conditions can change quickly and impact trails. When storms approach, this is not a good time to hike.
- It is always safer to swim at lifeguarded beaches. Beaches and parks may be closed due to hazardous ocean conditions. Do not swim at closed beaches. If in doubt, don't go out.
- Tropical Storms can impact conditions anywhere in the Hawaiian Islands.
- Travelers are encouraged to check with their airline for flight delays or cancellations. Check your flight status before going to the airport when storms threaten Hawaii.
Storm Preparedness Guidelines
Simple preparedness guidelines can be found here which include 14 days of food, water, and medications for each person in the family.
Visitors can additionally monitor the current conditions utilizing the following sources:
- Central Pacific Hurricane Center: WEATHER.GOV/CPHC/
- Local News Outlets:
- Hawaii News Now: HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM
- KITV: KITV.COM
- KHON: KHON2.COM
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser: STARADVERTISER.COM
- Hurricane Preparedness (Hawaii Emergency Management Agency): HTTPS://DOD.HAWAII.GOV/HIEMA/HURRICANE-PREPAREDNESS/
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Warning & Watches - What do each mean?
- A Hurricane Warning means Hurricane conditions expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.
- A Tropical Storm Warning means Tropical storm conditions expected within the warning area within 36 hours.
- A Hurricane Watch means Hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area within the next 36 to 48 hours.
- A Tropical Storm Watch means Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area within the next 36 to 48 hours.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures. In the western North Pacific, the term "super typhoon" is used for tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding 150 mph.
|
Category |
Sustained Winds |
Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds |
|
1 |
74-95 mph |
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days. |
|
2 |
96-110 mph |
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks. |
|
3 (major) |
111-129 mph |
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes. |
|
4 (major) |
130-156 mph |
Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. |
|
5 (major) |
157 mph or higher |
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. |
Source: National Hurricane Center
Additional Resources
Information Disclaimer: Details and information on this page, including current storm conditions & projected forecasts, may change on a day-by-day basis. While we will be making every effort to keep these pages relevant and up to date, the decision to travel is ultimately your own responsibility. Please travel safely. This page was generated with information provided by the HVCB and the Hawaii Tourism Authority, in addition to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
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