LIHU‘E — Wind speeds are slipping as Hurricane Felicia continues to creep toward the islands, forecasters said Thursday, but with winds of up to 135 miles per hour, the hurricane was still considered a Category 4 storm late in the
LIHU‘E — Wind speeds are slipping as Hurricane Felicia continues to creep toward the islands, forecasters said Thursday, but with winds of up to 135 miles per hour, the hurricane was still considered a Category 4 storm late in the afternoon.
“It’s just starting to show signs of weakening, but it’s still pretty major,” said National Weather Service Forecaster Matt Foster.
Moving northwest at approximately 10 miles per hour, Felicia was situated about 1,400 miles east-southeast of Hilo Thursday.
The system is expected to progressively weaken as it traverses across cooler water temperatures, meteorologists say.
If it continues on its five-day forecasted track, Felicia will turn west-northwest and make a “hook towards Hawai‘i,” Foster said.
But, by the time it reaches the Big Island, possibly late Monday or Tuesday, winds could diminish to around 40 to 45 miles per hour, he said.
“That’s of course if it continues on its projected forecast; it could very well do some weird things that could throw it off,” he added.
Another storm system forecasters have been keeping their eye on is Enrique, which downgraded to a Tropical Depression Thursday with winds speeds of 30 to 35 miles per hour.
As far as Enrique affecting the islands, Foster said it’s not likely, but “we obviously can’t say for sure.”
He added it might just “get mixed up in the trades,” as it continues to head north of the islands, though it’s still too far away to tell.
There are three actions the American Red Cross recommends in preparation of disasters and other emergencies: Get a kit, make a plan, be informed.
The organization reminded individuals in a recent press release that if evacuating to a shelter, there most likely will be no amenities. This means no food service, established sleeping areas or supplies.
Hurricane evacuation shelters simply provide safe shelter to ride out the storm and may be limited to standing room only.
For more information visit www.hawaiiredcross.org.
For updated satellite images of Felicia, visit www.ssd.noaa.gov/goes/west/tpac/loop-wv.html.
•Coco Zickos, business and environmental writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com.
