Hurricane Fausto Monday Update: Storm weakens slightly as it continues to move toward Hawaiʻi

Hurricane Fausto has weakened slightly as it continues to move west-northwest across the Central Pacific at about 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, according to the National Weather Service’s 11 p.m. advisory on Sunday.

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect with the storm about 670 miles east of Hilo.

The hurricane is expected to continue moving in a general westward to west-northwestward direction for the next several days, gradually weakening as it passes north of the Hawaiian Islands and into a drier environment over colder sea surface temperatures.

But hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 150 miles.

Large surf and strong currents will be generated by the storm, building westward across the state along exposed east-facing shores through Tuesday. This will lead to dangerous conditions along the exposed shores, the National Weather Service said.

Be prepared

The National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu and Hawai‘i County officials urge the public to prepare regardless of potential impacts and storm track.

They offered several preparation pointers:

• Check your emergency kits and fill up on supplies — 14 days of food, water and medications.
• Check in with family and friends: How you will get in contact and where you will go during an emergency or evacuation?
• Know your zone: Check if you are in a flood prone area or exposed to strong winds.
• Prepare your home: Trim trees, clean gutters, seal gaps and bring in loose outdoor items.
• Check insurance policy and have information handy.

The Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply and Hawaiian Electric also urged its customers to review emergency plans and ensure they have supplies they need and keep close watch on the storm’s development.

Shipping firm Young Brothers is keeping a close eye on Fausto, reporting Saturday afternoon it had not changed any shipping schedules. However, it anticipates increased harbor surge caused by Fausto could cause potential delays or impede the company’s ability to safely berth, ramp or discharge barges.

Marine information

The U.S. Coast Guard also set Port Heavy Weather Condition Whiskey for all commercial ports throughout Hawaiʻi, which went into effect on Friday because of possible gale force winds generated by Fausto during the next several days.

Port facilities are open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations can continue, however all pleasure craft should seek sheltered waters. Operators of vessels 200 gross tons and greater should plan to depart port. The ports captain might direct departures to reduce the number of vessels in port.

Vessels that desire to remain in port must submit a safe mooring plan and receive written permission from the ports captain and Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Harbors Division.
Requests should be submitted immediately. Requests received after Port Condition X-Ray might not be considered. Send requests to D14-DG-SH-SecHono-MTSRU@uscg.mil and HawaiiDistrict.heavyweather.request@hawaii.gov.

Vessels transiting within the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands should seek sheltered waters and anticipate additional restrictions and possible port closures as conditions progress. The ports captain can restrict operations of or deny port entry to vessels transporting oil or certain hazardous materials.

If and when Port Condition Yankee is set because sustained tropical storm force winds of 39 mph are expected within 24 hours, ports are closed to incoming traffic without specific approval from the ports captain.

Contact the Maritime Transportation System Recovery Unit via email at D14-DG-SH-SecHono-MTSRU@uscg.mil or U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at 1-800-552 6458 for additional information and questions about port services and closings.