UPDATE 11 a.m. 10/15/14: Ana Forecast to Make Gradual NW Turn

Satellite imagery of Tropical Storm Ana as of 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014. Image courtesy NOAA/NWS/Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

By Wendy Osher

***A 2 p.m. press briefing update is now posted at the the following LINK.

Forecasters with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center say Ana remains at tropical storm strength and is forecast to gradually intensify, and become a hurricane later today or tonight.

At 11 a.m., the CPHC issued an update saying the system continued on a path west near 9 mph, and was expected to gradually turn toward the northwest tonight or early Thursday.

According to the updated forecast, maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph with higher gusts.  At 11 a.m., the system was located 625 miles SE of Hilo, Hawaiʻi; 745 miles SE of Kahului, Maui; 795 miles SE of Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi; 770 miles SE of Lānaʻi City; and 840 miles SE of Honolulu, Oʻahu.

5-day forecast track for Tropical Storm Ana as of 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014. Image courtesy NOAA/NWS/Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

One of the first impacts of the storm is expected to be in the form of large swells, with are expected to arrive over the eastern end of the state starting late Thursday, and continue to spread through the weekend, according to the CPHC.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center issued an update saying, “The forecast for the main Hawaiian islands after Thursday will depend strongly on the strength and movement of tropical storm Ana which is subject to change. Based on the current forecast from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, it appears Ana will begin affecting weather around the islands late Friday and may continue to affect the islands through early next week.”

There are currently no watches or warnings in effect; however the Central Pacific Hurricane center says a hurricane watch may be required for portions of the state later today or tonight.

The agency advises that tropical storm force winds extend outward from the center of the storm up to 65 miles.

Current forecast models issued by the National Weather Service show the center of the system passing along the southern edge of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi on Saturday morning.

County officials are urging Maui County residents to prepare now for possible storm impacts from Ana. The Mayor advises the public should prepare in advance by getting your seven day supply of food, fueling your vehicles, securing your homes and making sure you have an evacuation plan ready.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center issued the following preparedness tip for those gearing up for potential impacts of tropical storm or hurricane weather:

“In Hawaiʻi, mountainous terrain accelerates hurricane and tropical storm winds causing extremely high winds that can destroy buildings, structures, trees, vegetation and crops.

Heavy and prolonged rains can accompany all types of tropical cyclones including hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical depressions. Even the weakest tropical depressions can bring torrential rains and flash flooding to the Hawaiian Islands.

When forming a disaster preparedness plan, consider each factor and how it could affect your family and property.”

When a hurricane poses a threat, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center advises the public to monitor radio or television stations for the latest National Weather Service advisories, as well as any special instructions from Civil Defense.

The agency notes that hurricanes can cause power failures and cut off, or contaminate water supplies.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency lists the following recommended items for a basic emergency supply kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Once you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, FEMA suggests you may want to consider adding the other following items:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit – EFFAK (PDF – 977Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or free information from this web site. (See Publications)
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

The American Red Cross lists the following tips to prepare for a hurricane:

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
• Check your disaster supplies. Replace or restock as needed.
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
• Close your windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
• Turn off propane tank.
• Unplug small appliances.
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• Create a hurricane evacuation plan with members of your household. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
• Find out about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
• Obey evacuation orders. Avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.