Hurricane Iselle 2 p.m. Press Conference Highlights

NOAA/CPHC/NOAA image of Hurricane Iselle, showing a well defined eye, with signs that shear is weakening. 2 p.m. 8/6/14.

By Wendy Osher

The National Weather Service and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center conducted a briefing at 2 p.m. to further assess the impacts of Hurricane Iselle as it continues on a path toward the state.

The briefing was conducted to guide emergency planners, responders, and local, state and national agencies with a life-saving mission.

Some of the highlights from today’s briefing include the following:

Iselle Updates as of 2 p.m. 8/6/2014:

• Iselle is now located about 625 miles ESE of Hilo, Hawaiʻi. The system still has maximum sustained winds of 90 mph with present movement towards the WNW at 16 mph. Central minimum pressure is 982 MB, 29 inches.

Watches and Warnings – no changes:

• Hurricane warning in effect for Hawaiʻi County
• Tropical storm warning in effect for Maui County
• Tropical storm watch in effect for Oʻahu
• Flash-flood watch for the state of Hawaiʻi

Current situation:

• Hurricane Iselle remains a category one hurricane and is guided to the west/northwest by high pressure to the north.
• The eye of Hurricane Iselle is currently well-defined with signs that shear is weakening.

Forecast uncertainty:

• Iselle expected to continue west/northwest toward the state
• Iselle retaining strength in the short-term
• Iselle now expected to be at/near hurricane strength when it approaches the Big Island of Hawaiʻi

Potential Impacts: (Impact Level: moderate/high)

• Heavy rain Thursday and Friday: 5 to 8 inches, locally higher
• Strong winds possible Thursday/Friday: Big Island 60 to 70 mph, gusts up to 85 mph; elsewhere 40 to 50 mph, locally higher.

Potential Impacts, High Surf: (Impact Level: moderate)

• Big Island of Hawaiʻi: beginning today 15 to 25 feet, favoring east facing shores
• Maui County: 12 to 18 feet east facing beginning today, 10 to 15 feet south facing on Friday
• Oʻahu: 10 to 15 feet, favoring east facing shores beginning today and south facing shores on Friday
• Kauaʻi: 10 to 15 feet, favoring east facing shores tonight and south facing shores on Friday

Potential Timing:  (Impact Level: moderate/high)

• Impacts to Big Island of Hawaiʻi and much of Maui County are expected Thursday afternoon and evening. Remaining areas are expected to experience impacts on Friday.

Main Points:

• Heavy rainfall likely for much of the area, with flash-flooding a distinct possibility
• Strong winds appearing more likely, especially for the Big Island and Maui County
• Event to begin Thursday afternoon for eastern islands and Friday for western islands
• Review preparedness plans and supplies
• If winds develop, power outages are possible
• Consideration should be made regarding boarding windows, flying debris is possible, especially eastern Big Island
• Preparedness tips at: www.ready.gov, and www.getreadyhawaii.org.