LIHUE — One of the disturbances in the Eastern Pacific was named Ignacio Tuesday and was under tropical storm status, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm remained 1,525 miles east-southeast of Hilo as of 5 p.m. Tuesday. The
LIHUE — One of the disturbances in the Eastern Pacific was named Ignacio Tuesday and was under tropical storm status, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The storm remained 1,525 miles east-southeast of Hilo as of 5 p.m. Tuesday. The current track shows the storm approaching the island early next week.
Ignacio is moving toward the west around 6 mph, and some increase in speed is forecast through Wednesday. A turn toward the west-northwest is expected by Thursday, according to the center.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 45 mph. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Ignacio is forecast to become a hurricane on Thursday.
Forecasters urged residents to remain prepared as hurricane season runs through November.
Ignacio is the ninth named storm this hurricane season.
Meanwhile, state parks kept the Kalalau Trail closed Tuesday based upon a flash flood watch and the uncertainty of the weather and heavy rainfall.
County officials also announced Tuesday that wet and muddy conditions have resulted in service disruptions at the Hanalei, Hanapepe and Kapaa refuse transfer stations.
Green waste service was closed at the Hanalei transfer station. Green waste and appliance recycling was also closed at the Kapaa transfer station. In addition, loose mixed waste was not being accepted at the site until further notice due to a mechanical problem. The Hanapepe transfer station was not accepting green waste and all recycling is down, with the exception of motor oil recycling.
Residents wishing to utilize transfer services should visit the Lihue transfer station until conditions improve.
Info: Nick Lum at 212-4683