5:15 p.m. HST Monday (Aug 31) Hawaii County Civil Defense message on Hurricane Ignacio
As of 11 p.m. HST Monday (Aug 31) the center of Hurricane Ignacio was located about 295 miles (475 km) northeast of Hilo, Hawaii. Maximum sustained winds are about 85 mph (140 km/hr) with higher gusts moving northwest at 12 mph (19 km/hr). Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles (280 km) from the center.
The tropical storm watch for Hawaii Island and Maui County has been discontinued. Rainfall in the amounts of one to three inches with isolated maximum amounts near five inches in higher elevation areas are possible on Hawaii Island.
Ignacio is a Category 1 hurricane and is forecast to rapidly weaken. The outer winds of Ignacio could affect Hawaii Island by early Monday (Aug 31). The rate of weakening is expected to slow on Tuesday and Wednesday.
All DOE public schools and private schools are open today however, the following Charter Schools are closed at this time:
- Kua o ka LÄ New Century Public Charter School
- Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School
- Volcano School of Arts and Sciences
In addition all government offices will be open for normal business; including the Hele-On Bus system.
Large swells generated by Ignacio will arrive along the east and southeast facing shores of Hawaii Island over the next several days. A High Surf Warning is in effect for east facing shores of Hawaii Island. This large surf is potentially life-threatening.
For a reminder of how to prepare during this hurricane system read these tips by HELCO or go to our ‘Be Prepared’ menu near the top of this page for hurricane information.
http://youtu.be/kqT-YwwvK1g
Hurricanes Ignacio and Jimena in hurricane alley in the Pacific. August 28-31, 2015. Movie courtesy of NOAA-NASA GOES Project
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