David Y. Ige

HONOLULU — Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, local emergency management and civil defense agencies, and federal and state partners continued coordination efforts with the National Weather Service (NWS) for Hurricane Hilda. Coordination efforts included a briefing from NWS on expected impacts and track of Hilda and discussion of current and planned actions by the local and state emergency management agencies.

NWS briefed that as of 5 a.m. the center of Hilda, which is still measuring as a Category 1 Hurricane, is 425 miles southeast of Hilo. Over the weekend Hilda turned to the northwest, encountering an upper level jet which caused the system to slow and weaken. Further weakening is expected; however, there is a 10-15% chance of tropical storm force winds making landfall on Hawaii Island.

Expected impacts associated with Hilda include, advisory level surf along east facing shores beginning today, potentially heavy rains closer to the center of the system, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. Hilda is expected to make its closest approach to Hawaii Island late Wednesday.

Hawaii residents and visitors are asked to take the following precautions:

• Continue to follow local reports for the latest information on Hilda
• Be aware of flood safety recommendations, tips can be found at floodsmart.gov
• Listen to ocean safety officials and exercise caution if entering the water as high surf messages are issued

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Media Contacts:

Shelly Kunishige                                                         Anna Koethe

Public Information Officer                                            Public Relations Officer

808-733-4300 or 808-620-5408                                  808-733-4300 or 808-620-5422

[email protected]