Heavy showers and stormy winds may threaten Hawaii later this week as a tropical cyclone trails towards the islands. Tropical Storm Ana, which is feared to become a hurricane, is the first cyclone to develop in the central Pacific basin in 2014. The tempest was formed Monday in the central Pacific Ocean.
On an Ana forecast discussion late Tuesday, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's (CPHC) noted an intense lightning was detected near the inner core of the tropical storm. It is a natural sign that an important strengthening is either underway or will soon occur.
According to AccuWeather.com, residents and travelers to Hawaii, particularly the Big Island, should pay close attention to the track and strength of the tropical storm.
The Weather Channel reported that Ana continues to stir in the central Pacific Ocean just less than 700 miles east-southeast of the Big Island of Hawaii, or just less than 900 miles east-southeast of Honolulu.
According to the CPHC, with wind shear commonly light and warm water, Ana is likely to continue intensifying over the next couple of days as it moves toward the west-northwest. A hurricane alert may be released for parts of the Hawaiian Islands sometime Wednesday.
Meteorologists think that Ana may be just off the Big Island's southeast coast as a Category 1 hurricane early Saturday morning local time. With a maximum sustained with around 85 mph, Ana may try to make a landfall on the Big Island later Saturday or Saturday night.
Based on the Washington Post report, if Ana makes landfall, it will be the third recorded hurricane on any Hawaiian island. It will also be the second tropical cyclone to make landfall on the Big Island this 2014, after it was struck by Tropical Storm Iselle in early August. Tropical Storm Iselle thrashed the Hawaiian Islands with high winds and heavy rain, driving hundreds of people to seek shelter and knocking out power to more than 20,000 residents.
The rain brought by Tropical Storm Ana will pose a flash flood danger, resulting in some washed-over roads or local landslides. Any gale damage will greatly depend on whether Ana is able to make landfall as an organized tropical system.
Meanwhile, BayFest, an event whose mission is to nurture and improve relations between the military and civilian communities which are scheduled for Oct. 17 until 19, has been cancelled. It is due to the advanced emergency preparations for Tropical Strom Ana. Marine Corps Base Hawaii says that the safety of military and civilian personnel is the first priority as Ana drifts toward hurricane strength.
For the fears that Hurricane Ana will wreak havoc on the Hawaiian Islands, residents were instructed to stockpile food and potable water and ensure to make an evacuation plan if needed.
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