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TROPICAL STORM NEKI ADVISORY NUMBER 30
NWS CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER HONOLULU HI CP032009
500 PM HST SUN OCT 25 2009

AT 500 PM HST…0300 UTC…THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM NEKI WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 25.0 NORTH…LONGITUDE 165.3 WEST OR ABOUT 425 MILES WEST-NORTHWEST OF LIHUE HAWAII AND ABOUT 100 MILES NORTHEAST OF FRENCH FRIGATE SHOALS.

NEKI IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST NEAR 5 MPH. NEKI IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MOVING NORTHWARD TONIGHT…THEN BEGIN ACCELERATING TOWARD THE NORTH NORTHEAST MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT WHILE UNDERGOING EXTRATROPICAL TRANSITION. NEKI IS EXPECTED TO BE EXTRATROPICAL BY MID DAY TUESDAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 45 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS. GRADUAL WEAKENING IS FORECAST THROUGH THE NEXT 48 HOURS AS NEKI UNDERGOES EXTRATROPICAL TRANSITION.

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 190 MILES FROM THE CENTER.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 1004 MB…29.65 INCHES.

…SUMMARY OF 500 PM HST INFORMATION…
LOCATION…25.0N 165.3W
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…45 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT…WEST OR 275 DEGREES AT 5 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…1004 MB

THE NEXT ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER AT 1100 PM HST.

More info at the Central Pacific Hurricane Center

Central Pacific Infrared Images

click on image for full disc

TROPICAL STORM NEKI ADVISORY NUMBER 27
NWS CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER HONOLULU HI CP032009
1100 PM HST SAT OCT 24 2009

…TROPICAL STORM NEKI STALLS FAR NORTHWEST OF THE MAIN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS…

AT 1100 PM HST…0900 UTC…THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM NEKI WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 24.8 NORTH…LONGITUDE 163.9 WEST OR ABOUT 345 MILES NORTHWEST OF LIHUE…HAWAII AND ABOUT 165 MILES EAST-NORTHEAST OF FRENCH FRIGATE SHOALS.

NEKI IS NEARLY STATIONARY…BUT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MOVING SLOWLY NORTHWARD BY SUNDAY MORNING. THIS SLOW NORTHWARD MOTION IS FORECAST TO CONTINUE THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT AND EARLY MONDAY. BY LATE MONDAY…NEKI WILL LIKELY BEGIN TO ACCELERATE TOWARD THE NORTH NORTHEAST OVER THE OPEN WATERS OF THE NORTH CENTRAL PACIFIC OCEAN.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS REMAIN NEAR 60 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS. NEKI IS EXPECTED TO GRADUALLY WEAKEN FROM SUNDAY THROUGH MONDAY MORNING. BY LATE MONDAY…NEKI MAY BEGIN TO TRANSITION INTO AN EXTRATROPICAL SYSTEM AS IT ACCELERATES TOWARD THE NORTH NORTHEAST.

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 115 MILES FROM THE CENTER.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 1002 MB…29.59 INCHES.

…SUMMARY OF 1100 PM HST INFORMATION…
LOCATION…24.8N 163.9W
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…60 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT…STATIONARY
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…1002 MB

THE NEXT ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER AT 500 AM HST.

More info at the Central Pacific Hurricane Center

Central Pacific Infrared Images

click on image for full disc

TROPICAL STORM NEKI ADVISORY NUMBER 22…CORRECTED
NWS CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER HONOLULU HI CP032009
500 PM HST FRI OCT 23 2009

…CENTER OF NEKI PASSING BETWEEN NECKER ISLAND AND FRENCH FRIGATE SHOALS…

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE PAPAHANAUMOKUAKEA NATIONAL MONUMENT FROM NIHOA ISLAND TO FRENCH FRIGATE SHOALS TO MARO REEF.

AT 500 PM HST…0300 UTC…THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM NEKI WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 23.4 NORTH…LONGITUDE 165.2 WEST OR ABOUT 380 MILES WEST-NORTHWEST OF LIHUE HAWAII AND ABOUT 80 MILES EAST- SOUTHEAST OF FRENCH FRIGATE SHOALS.

NEKI IS MOVING SLOWLY TOWARD THE NORTH-NORTHEAST NEAR 5 MPH…AND THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH SUNDAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 65 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS. GRADUAL WEAKENING IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH SUNDAY.

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 175 MILES FROM THE CENTER.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 998 MB…29.47 INCHES.

HEAVY RAINS OF 6 TO 10 INCHES…ROUGH SEAS OF UP TO 20 FEET…AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS WILL CONTINUE TONIGHT NEAR FRENCH FRIGATE SHOALS AND NECKER ISLAND. CONDITIIONS WILL BEGIN GRADUALLY IMPROVING ON SATURDAY AS NEKI SLOWLY MOVES AWAY.

…SUMMARY OF 500 PM HST INFORMATION…
LOCATION…23.4N 165.2W
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…65 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NORTH-NORTHEAST OR 25 DEGREES AT 5 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…998 MB

AN INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER AT 800 PM HST FOLLOWED BY THE NEXT COMPLETE ADVISORY AT 1100 PM HST.

More info at the Central Pacific Hurricane Center

Central Pacific Infrared Images

click on image for full disc image

BULLETIN
HURRICANE NEKI INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY NUMBER 10A
NWS CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER HONOLULU HI CP032009
800 PM HST TUE OCT 20 2009

…HURRICANE NEKI CONTINUES TO TRACK NORTHWESTWARD AND STRENGTHEN FAR SOUTHWEST OF THE MAIN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS….

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH CONTINUES FOR JOHNSTON ISLAND. A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE IN THE WATCH AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 48 HOURS.

AT 800 PM HST…0600 UTC…THE CENTER OF HURRICANE NEKI WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 15.9 NORTH…LONGITUDE 165.6 WEST OR ABOUT 625 MILES SOUTHWEST OF HONOLULU HAWAII AND ABOUT 270 MILES EAST-SOUTHEAST OF JOHNSTON ISLAND.

NEKI IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHWEST NEAR 14 MPH. NEKI WILL GRADUALLY TURN TO THE NORTH NORTHWEST AND SLOW ITS FORWARD MOTION DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 80 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS. NEKI IS A CATEGORY ONE HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE AND IS FORECAST TO CONTINUE INTENSIFYING THROUGH 48 HOURS.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 30 MILES FROM THE CENTER…AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 100 MILES.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 985 MB…29.09 INCHES.

ANYONE NEAR JOHNSTON ISLAND IS URGED TO CLOSELY MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF NEKI. A TROPICAL STORM OR HURRICANE WARNING COULD BE ISSUED FOR JOHNSTON ISLAND LATER TONIGHT.

…SUMMARY OF 800 PM HST INFORMATION…
LOCATION…15.9N 165.6W
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…80 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NORTHWEST OR 320 DEGREES AT 14 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…985 MB

THE NEXT ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER AT 1100 PM HST.

More info at the Central Pacific Hurricane Center

Central Pacific Infrared Images

NASA’s TRMM Sees Some Heavy Rains in Neki as it Heads Toward Johnston Island

By Rob Gutro, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

TRMM's analysis of rainfall within Neki showed areas of heavy rainfall. The yellow and green areas indicate moderate rainfall between .78 to 1.57 inches per hour. Red areas are heavy rainfall at almost 2 inches per hour. Credit: NASA/SSAI, Hal Pierce

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission, or TRMM satellite has been flying over Tropical Storm Neki in the Central Pacific Ocean and providing scientists with an idea of how much rainfall Johnston Island can expect from it.

A Hurricane Watch is already in effect for Johnston Island. That means hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. A Hurricane Warning may be issued later today, meaning hurricane conditions are happening.

Johnston Island is the main island in the Johnston Atoll, a 50-square-mile atoll in the North Pacific Ocean. It’s located 750 nautical miles west of Hawaii. The Atoll consists of four islands: Johnston, Sand, North Island and East Island.

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite, managed by NASA and the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) passed over Tropical Storm Neki on October 20 at 1043 UTC (6:43 a.m. EDT/12:43a.m. HST) and captured a look at Neki’s rainfall. TRMM found that there were some areas of heavy rainfall in the northeast quadrant of the storm. Rainfall rates were around 2 inches per hour in that part of Neki.

Rain rates are created from different instruments aboard TRMM. The rain rates in the center of TRMM images are derived from the TRMM Precipitation Radar, the only spaceborne radar of its kind, while those in the outer portion are from the TRMM Microwave Imager. The rain rates are then overlaid on infrared data from the TRMM Visible Infrared Scanner to create the entire image. The images are created at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, in Greenbelt, Md.

TRMM also has the ability to analyze how high the thunderstorms are in tropical cyclones, and this morning’s image indicated there were some “hot towers,” that is, towering thunderstorms that are almost 15 kilometers (about 9 miles) high. That’s an indication that the storm is strengthening.

At 2 a.m. HST (8 a.m. EDT) on October 20, Tropical Storm Neki’s maximum sustained winds had increased from 40 mph to 50 mph, and it is expected to continue intensifying. Neki was located about 515 miles east-southeast of Johnston Island, and 640 miles south-southeast of Honolulu, Hawaii. It was near 13.0 North and 162.8 West. Neki is moving northwest near 18 mph and will continue in that direction for the next two days, although it is forecast to slow down. Estimated minimum central pressure is 1005 millibars.

Neki will continue to strengthen as it moves northwest and could pass Johnston Island as a hurricane. Tropical Storm Neki is headed for a landfall over the tiny island by Thursday, October 22.

BULLETIN
TROPICAL DEPRESSION NORA ADVISORY NUMBER 10
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP172009
200 AM PDT FRI SEP 25 2009

…NORA NOW A REMNANT LOW…THIS IS THE LAST ADVISORY…

AT 200 AM PDT…0900 UTC…THE CENTER OF OF THE REMNANT LOW THAT WAS FORMERLY TROPICAL DEPRESSION NORA WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 17.2 NORTH…LONGITUDE 122.2 WEST OR ABOUT 890 MILES…1430 KM… WEST-SOUTHWEST OF THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BAJA CALIFORNIA.

THE REMNANT LOW IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST NEAR 7 MPH…11 KM/HR… AND THIS GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH SATURDAY WITH A SLIGHT INCREASE IN FORWARD SPEED. A TURN TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST IS EXPECTED BY SATURDAY NIGHT.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 35 MPH…55 KM/HR…WITH HIGHER GUSTS. GRADUAL WEAKENING IS FORECAST IN THE NEXT 24 TO 48 HOURS.

THE ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 1006 MB…29.71 INCHES.

…SUMMARY OF 200 AM PDT INFORMATION…
LOCATION…17.2N 122.2W
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…35 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT…WEST OR 260 DEGREES AT 7 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…1006 MB

THIS IS THE LAST PUBLIC ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER ON NORA. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE REMNANT LOW PLEASE SEE HIGH SEAS FORECASTS ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE… UNDER AWIPS HEADER NFDHSFEPI AND WMO HEADER FZPN02 KWBC.

More info at National Hurricane Center

Story by NASA’s Earth Observatory/Goddard Space Flight Center

This NASA infrared AIRS satellite image shows Hilda's clouds (depicted in purple and blue) on August 24 at 7:41 a.m. EDT indicating high, cold clouds and strong thunderstorms. Credit: NASA/JPL, Ed Olsen

Tropical Storm Hilda formed over the weekend and is continuing to strengthen, as is evident in infrared satellite imagery from NASA’s Aqua satellite.

On Monday, August 24, Hilda’s maximum sustained winds were near 65 mph and she’s expected to intensify into a hurricane over the next day as she starts tracking south of Hawaii. At 5 a.m. Hawaii Local Time Hilda’s center was 740 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii and about 950 miles east-southeast of Honolulu. That’s near 14.4 north and 145.4 west. She is moving west near 13 mph, and will continue to do so over the next several days. Minimum central pressure is estimated near 999 millibars.

The Aqua satellite also flew over Tropical Storm Hilda early today, and provided valuable data on her cloud top temperatures indicating very cold high thunderstorms near the core of Hilda. That means that Hilda is strengthening. Cloud-top temperatures are important because they tell forecasters how high thunderstorms are, and the higher the thunderstorm, the more powerful it is.

In infrared imagery, NASA’s false-colored purple clouds are as cold as or colder than 220 Kelvin or minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit (F). The blue colored clouds are about 240 Kelvin, or minus 27F. Today’s satellite imagery indicated cloud top temperatures colder than minus 63F.

Hilda is expected to continue on a westward track over the next couple of days and stay south of Hawaii through the week, kicking up surf on the south facing beaches there.

COASTAL HAZARD MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HONOLULU HI
355 AM HST WED AUG 19 2009

…LARGE SURF ALONG SHORES FACING EAST EXPECTED TODAY…

.OVERVIEW…LARGE SWELL FROM THE EAST NORTHEAST PRODUCED BY CURRENTLY WEAKENING TROPICAL STORM GUILLERMO WILL CONTINUE TO ARRIVE TODAY.

NIIHAU-KAUAI WINDWARD-OAHU SOUTH SHORE-OAHU KOOLAU-OLOMANA-
MOLOKAI WINDWARD-MAUI WINDWARD WEST-WINDWARD HALEAKALA-
BIG ISLAND NORTH AND EAST-
355 AM HST WED AUG 19 2009

…HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THIS EVENING…

SURF 6 TO 9 FEET HIGH WILL PERSIST THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A HIGH SURF ADVISORY MEANS THAT WAVES ALONG THE AFFECTED SHORES WILL BE HIGHER THAN NORMAL. BEACHGOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK TO AVOID HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS.

TROPICAL STORM GUILLERMO ADVISORY NUMBER 29
NWS CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER HONOLULU HI EP102009
1100 PM HST TUE AUG 18 2009

…GUILLERMO STILL A TROPICAL STORM FAR TO THE NORTHEAST OF HAWAII…

AT 1100 PM HST…0900 UTC…THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM GUILLERMO WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 29.1 NORTH…LONGITUDE 153.5 WEST OR ABOUT 605 MILES NORTH-NORTHEAST OF HONOLULU HAWAII.

GUILLERMO IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHWEST NEAR 18 MPH…AND THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS. THIS TRACK WILL KEEP GUILLERMO FAR TO THE NORTH OF THE MAIN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 40 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS. SLOW WEAKENING IS EXPECTED OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 185 MILES TO THE NORTH OF THE CENTER.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 1010 MB…29.83 INCHES.

…SUMMARY OF 1100 PM HST INFORMATION…
LOCATION…29.1N 153.5W
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…40 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NORTHWEST OR 310 DEGREES AT 18 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…1010 MB

THE NEXT ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER AT 500 AM HST.

Central Pacific Hurricane Center: www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/cphc

Weather forecasts of all the islands: www.prh.noaa.gov/pr/hnl

Winds coming from the direction of Tropical Storm Felicia push clouds westward in this time-lapse movie of Hilo Bay Sunday (Aug 9) afternoon. Photography by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.org

TROPICAL DEPRESSION FELICIA ADVISORY NUMBER 33
NWS CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER HONOLULU HI EP082009
1100 AM HST TUE AUG 11 2009

…FELICIA DISSIPATING AS A TROPICAL DEPRESSION BUT STILL COULD PRODUCE LOCALIZED HEAVY RAINS AND SOME GUSTY WINDS…

AT 1100 AM HST…2100 UTC…THE TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR OAHU AND FOR ALL OF MAUI COUNTY…WHICH INCLUDES THE ISLANDS OF MAUI… KAHOOLAWE…LANAI…AND MOLOKAI…HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED.

AT 1100 AM HST…2100 UTC…THE CENTER OF DISSIPATING TROPICAL DEPRESSION FELICIA WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 20.6 NORTH… LONGITUDE 154.7 WEST OR ABOUT 120 MILES EAST OF KAHULUI HAWAII AND ABOUT 210 MILES EAST-SOUTHEAST OF HONOLULU HAWAII.

THE DISSIPATING DEPRESSION IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST NEAR 9 MPH. THE REMNANT LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM IS FORECAST TO MOVE SLOWLY WESTWARD OVER THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 35 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS…MOSTLY OVER THE WATERS TO THE NORTH OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS. GRADUAL WEAKENING OF THE SYSTEM IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 1010 MB…29.83 INCHES.

…SUMMARY OF 1100 AM HST INFORMATION…
LOCATION…20.6N 154.7W
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…35 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT…WEST OR 265 DEGREES AT 9 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…1010 MB

THIS IS THE LAST PUBLIC ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER ON THIS SYSTEM.

Central Pacific Hurricane Center: www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/cphc

Weather forecasts of all the islands: www.prh.noaa.gov/pr/hnl

Satellite image taken at Aug 11 at 1800 UTC. Images courtesy of NOAA-NASA GOES Project Click on image above for full earth image.

ACTIONS TO TAKE WHEN A HURRICANE NEARS HAWAII
All of Hawaii’s citizens should know what to do during hurricane and tropical storm watches and warnings. Watches and warnings are prepared for the Hawaiian Islands by the National Weather Service Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu. When watches and warnings are issued, people should closely monitor radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins of the storm’s progress and instructions from civil defense authorities. Jim Weyman, director of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, said, “Although you and your family may have never experienced a hurricane, don’t be complacent! It’s not a matter of if a hurricane will occur, but when one will occur. All of the Hawaiian Islands are at risk for a hurricane and we should all know what actions to take.”

For the Central Pacific Ocean starting with the 2009 hurricane season, a Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch means hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible in the specificed area of the Watch, usually within 48 hours.

When a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch is issued:

Hurricane preparedness supplies at Home Depot in Hilo. Photography by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.org

• Fuel and service family vehicles.
• Prepare to cover all windows and door openings with boards, shutters or other shielding materials.
• Check food and water supplies. Have clean, air-tight containers on hand to store at least two weeks of drinking water (14 gallons per person), and stock up on canned provisions. Keep a small cooler with frozen gel packs handy for packing refrigerated items.
• Check prescription medicines – obtain at least 10 days to 2 weeks supply.
• Stock up on extra batteries for radios, flashlights, and lanterns.
• Store and secure outdoor lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans and garden tools.
• Check and replenish first-aid supplies.
• Have on hand an extra supply of cash.

For the Central Pacific Ocean starting with the 2009 hurricane season, a Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning means hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified area of the Warning, usually within 36 hours.

When a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning is issued:

• Follow instructions issued by civil defense. Leave immediately if ordered to do so.
• Complete preparation activities, such as boarding up windows and storing loose objects.
• Evacuate areas that might be affected by storm surge flooding. If evacuating, leave early.
• Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.

Hawaii County Civil Defense Huricane Preparedness Guide: co.hawaii.hi.us/cd/hpg/main.html

The Hawaii Chapter of the American Red Cross has Hurricane Preparedness Guide

MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources has closed certain state parks, forest reserves and other areas for public safety as Tropical Storm Felicia arrives in the islands.

Weather forecasts continue to anticipate Felicia continuing as a low end tropical storm with strong winds, possibility of localized heavy rains on all islands with high surf on all eastern facing shores that could even cross coastal roads.

The following area closures will take effect (more may be added as the storm nears other islands):

Island of Hawai‘i –
Muliwai Trail and Waimanu Campground as well as ‘Ainapo Trail on the slopes of Mauna Loa are closed until further notice and all permits are suspended. An assessment of the area will be conducted after the storm passes.

Island of Maui –
Wai‘anapanapa State Park will be closed at 3 p.m. Monday and all day Tuesday. New camping permits will not be issued or will be cancelled for today and tomorrow. Anyone already staying at the cabins will be allowed to remain for their duration or until the storm passes.

Kaumahina State Wayside and Pua‘a Ka‘a State Wayside will be closed on Tuesday.

Polipoli Springs State Park will be closed at 2 p.m. Monday and on Tuesday. Camping permits will not be issued. This closure is in coordination with the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife closure of the Kula Forest Reserve.

Makena State Park will be closed on Tuesday.
‘Iao Valley State Park will be closed at 3 p.m. Monday and will remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. This is in coordination with Maui County’s closing of Kepaniwai Park which will be closed at 4 p.m. Monday and remain closed through Wednesday.

Kula Forest Reserve and Waihou Spring Forest Reserve will close on Monday at 2 p.m. as a precaution, in anticipation of high winds and heavy rainfall. DLNR Forestry crews are checking culverts and drainages in Kula Forest Reserve and will clear the area and post closure notices.

‘Ahihi Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve will be closed on Tuesday due to potential for flooding of the access road that would make any emergency response difficult.

Island of Kaua‘i –
Napali Coast State Park — effective Monday no new camping permits will be issued, as a precaution, until the weather situation improves.

No closures are in effect for the island of O‘ahu.

Closure days may be extended depending on the storm status and any damages suffered at the parks or forest areas. DLNR will announce the reopening of these areas once they are assessed and determined to be safe for public use.

Residents of coastal areas should continue to be on the alert for sudden increases in surf heights. Be prepared for road closures and power outages. DLNR advises the public to stay clear of trails which may be subject to falling branches or streams which may be subject to flash flooding and coastal areas affected by high surf.

Boaters are urged to check their boats are securely moored and pumps working. Please check with weather reports and follow instructions by safety officials

Winds coming from the direction of Tropical Storm Felicia push the cloud cover towards the west in this time-lapse photography movie of Hilo Bay Sunday afternoon. Photography by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.org

TROPICAL STORM FELICIA ADVISORY NUMBER 27
NWS CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER HONOLULU HI EP082009
1100 PM HST SUN AUG 09 2009

…FELICIA CONTINUES MOVING TOWARD THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS WITH NO SIGNS OF WEAKENING THIS EVENING…

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR OAHU…THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII…AND FOR ALL OF MAUI COUNTY…WHICH INCLUDES THE ISLANDS OF MAUI…KAHOOLAWE…LANAI…AND MOLOKAI. A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA…GENERALLY WITHIN THE NEXT 36 TO 48 HOURS.

INTERESTS ON KAUAI AND NIIHAU SHOULD CONTINUE TO CLOSELY MONITOR THE FUTURE PROGRESS OF FELICIA.

AT 1100 PM HST…0900 UTC…THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM FELICIA WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 21.0 NORTH…LONGITUDE 149.2 WEST OR ABOUT 395 MILES EAST-NORTHEAST OF HILO…HAWAII AND ABOUT 560 MILES EAST OF HONOLULU…HAWAII.

FELICIA IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST NEAR 10 MPH AND THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH TUESDAY. ON THIS TRACK…THE OUTER WINDS FROM FELICIA ARE EXPECTED TO REACH THE EASTERNMOST HAWAIIAN ISLANDS MONDAY NIGHT.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 50 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS. GRADUAL WEAKENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS. FELICIA IS EXPECTED TO REACH THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS AS EITHER A TROPICAL STORM OR A TROPICAL DEPRESSION.

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS NOW EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 140 MILES FROM THE CENTER.

THE LATEST MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE REPORTED BY THE U.S. AIR FORCE RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT IS 1005 MB…29.68 INCHES.

EVEN THOUGH FELICIA IS STILL EAST OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS…A BUILDING SWELL GENERATED BY THE TROPICAL CYCLONE HAS ALREADY REACHED THE EAST FACING SHORES OF THE BIG ISLAND AND MAUI. THIS LARGE SWELL WILL BEGIN TO IMPACT THE REMAINING HAWAIIAN ISLANDS LATER TONIGHT AND MONDAY.

REGARDLESS OF THE INTENSITY OF FELICIA WHEN IT REACHES THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS…HEAVY RAINS ARE STILL EXPECTED TO OCCUR AND FLASH FLOODING REMAINS A POSSIBILITY.

…SUMMARY OF 1100 PM HST INFORMATION…
LOCATION…21.0N 149.2W
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…50 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT…WEST OR 270 DEGREES AT 10 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…1005 MB

AN INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER AT 200 AM HST FOLLOWED BY THE NEXT COMPLETE ADVISORY AT 500 AM HST.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
Hurricane Categories Explained: www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshs.shtml

Weather forecasts of all the islands: www.prh.noaa.gov/pr/hnl

Satellite image taken at Aug 9 at 0900 UTC. Images courtesy of NOAA-NASA GOES Project Click on image above for full earth image.

ACTIONS TO TAKE WHEN A HURRICANE NEARS HAWAII
All of Hawaii’s citizens should know what to do during hurricane and tropical storm watches and warnings. Watches and warnings are prepared for the Hawaiian Islands by the National Weather Service Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu. When watches and warnings are issued, people should closely monitor radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins of the storm’s progress and instructions from civil defense authorities. Jim Weyman, director of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, said, “Although you and your family may have never experienced a hurricane, don’t be complacent! It’s not a matter of if a hurricane will occur, but when one will occur. All of the Hawaiian Islands are at risk for a hurricane and we should all know what actions to take.”

For the Central Pacific Ocean starting with the 2009 hurricane season, a Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch means hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible in the specificed area of the Watch, usually within 48 hours.

When a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch is issued:

Hurricane preparedness supplies at Home Depot in Hilo. Photography by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.org

• Fuel and service family vehicles.
• Prepare to cover all windows and door openings with boards, shutters or other shielding materials.
• Check food and water supplies. Have clean, air-tight containers on hand to store at least two weeks of drinking water (14 gallons per person), and stock up on canned provisions. Keep a small cooler with frozen gel packs handy for packing refrigerated items.
• Check prescription medicines – obtain at least 10 days to 2 weeks supply.
• Stock up on extra batteries for radios, flashlights, and lanterns.
• Store and secure outdoor lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans and garden tools.
• Check and replenish first-aid supplies.
• Have on hand an extra supply of cash.

For the Central Pacific Ocean starting with the 2009 hurricane season, a Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning means hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified area of the Warning, usually within 36 hours.

When a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning is issued:

• Follow instructions issued by civil defense. Leave immediately if ordered to do so.
• Complete preparation activities, such as boarding up windows and storing loose objects.
• Evacuate areas that might be affected by storm surge flooding. If evacuating, leave early.
• Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.

Hawaii County Civil Defense Huricane Preparedness Guide: co.hawaii.hi.us/cd/hpg/main.html

The Hawaii Chapter of the American Red Cross has Hurricane Preparedness Guide

By Rob Gutro, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

The MODIS instrument on NASA's Terra satellite captured Hurricane Felicia (left) and Tropical Storm Enrique (right) side-by-side on August 5 at 3 p.m. EDT. Credit: NASA, MODIS Rapid Response

Felicia is the storm that rules the Eastern Pacific Ocean this week, but Enrique refuses to give up. Felicia is a major hurricane with sustained winds near 140 mph, and Enrique is still hanging onto tropical storm status with 50 mph sustained winds. Both cyclones are close to each other and two NASA satellites captured them together.

On August 6 at 5 a.m. EDT, powerful Felicia is still a category four hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. She’s far out to sea, about 1,480 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California near 15.5 north and 131.2 west. She’s moving west-northwest near 10 mph, and is expected to speed up and start to weaken in the next couple of days because of colder waters in her path. Felicia’s minimum central pressure is 937 millibars.

Boys can be stubborn, and Enrique is proving that, even though he’s a tropical storm with a boy’s name. Despite Enrique’s close proximity to Felicia, he’s maintaining sustained winds near 50 mph. At 5 a.m. EDT, Enrique’s center was 345 miles behind Felicia’s, near 20.7 north and 125.9 west. He’s speeding northwest near 17 mph into cooler waters which is going to weaken him over the next day or two. Enrique’s minimum central pressure is 1,000 millibars, much higher than Felicia’s indicating a much weaker storm. The higher the atmospheric pressure the weaker the tropical cyclone.

NASA’s Terra satellite flew over Felicia and Enrique and using the Moderate Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument captured them side-by-side on August 5 at 3 p.m. EDT. The satellite image clearly showed an eye in powerful Hurricane Felicia, while Tropical Storm Enrique’s eye was not clear.

The AIRS instrument on NASA's Aqua satellite caught the icy cold clouds in Felicia (left) and Enrique (right). Notice Felicia's eye in the center of the storm. In this false-colored image, purple indicates temperatures colder than minus 63F and blue is minus 27F or colder. Credit: NASA/JPL, Ed Olsen

Terra wasn’t the only satellite to capture Felicia and Enrique battling it out for territory in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. NASA’s Aqua satellite also flew overhead and its Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument captured the frigid cloud temperatures in both storms. Felicia’s clouds are colder and higher than Enrique’s clouds, because stronger hurricanes have higher (and more powerful) thunderstorms.

Using AIRS and other infrared imagery to determine cloud temperature, the National Hurricane Center noted in their discussion on August 6, that Felicia’s “eye has been warming and has become more well-defined over the past few hours but at the same time the cold cloud tops around the eye have also been warming.” That’s an indication that Felicia will start waning in strength.