HI-EMA, Partners Monitor Hurricane Olaf

Hawai’i Emergency Management, along with local emergency agencies and civil defense partners, went through a morning briefing regarding Hurricane Olaf Tuesday. The storm has reached Category Four strength and was located 1,115 miles east-southeast of Hilo, as of 5 a.m. Monday.

Hurricane Olaf is expected to take a north turn and begin to move northwest over the weekend, although as with all storms, timing is not exact.

High surf is expected to impact east-facing shores of all islands, with the Big Island and Maui County expected to see a rise in surf heights beginning Wednesday and warning level heights from 15 to 20 feet on Thursday.

The follow precautions come from HI-EMA and its partners as the storm continues to inch its way across the Central Pacific:

• Listen to ocean safety officials and exercise caution if entering the water as high surf messages are issued.
• Read the Hawai’i Boater’s Hurricane and Tsunami Safety Manual for recommended precautions to protect your boat prior to a storm.
• Check with local officials and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), especially if you plan to camp next week. Parks may be closed, depending on the weather forecast.