Flash Flood Watch Issued In Advance Of Iselle
The National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Hawaii County at 11 a.m. as Hurricane Iselle continues to barrell toward the Big Island.
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and county civil defense and emergency management agencies are readying for Iselle to reach the Hawaiian Islands starting Thursday afternoon through late Friday, said a HI-EMA release.
A flash flood watch also has been issued through Friday as the storm is expected to bring heavy rains, high surf and tropical storm-force winds, the NWS said.
Hurricane Iselle is now a Category Three tropical cyclone 1,055 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.
“The tracks of Iselle and Julio are definitely a call to prepare,” said Emergency Management Administrator Doug Mayne.
“Our goal isn’t to scare anyone, but we want to make sure Hawaii’s citizens and visitors have what they need to stay safe and healthy. People should have their emergency plans and seven-day kits in place and consider preparing their homes and businesses for high winds and flooding.”
Recommended preparedness actions can be found on the HI-EMA website at www.scd.hawaii.gov. People are also encouraged to enroll in local notification systems.